Modifiable Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Mortality in Türkiye from 1990 to 2019: A Temporal Analysis of Global Burden of Disease Data.

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women in Türkiye. Aims: Explore the trends in female breast cancer mortality rates and the associated modifiable factors in Türkiye between 1990 and 2019. Study Design: Epidemiological descriptive analysis. Methods: The database of the Global Burden of Disease study was used to obtain data regarding breast cancer-related mortality and modifiable (behavioral and metabolic) risk factors among women in Türkiye from 1990 to 2019. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) for female breast cancer mortality rates was computed using the Joinpoint regression method. Results: From 1990 to 2009, the breast cancer mortality rates in Türkiye tended to increase [from 12.26/105 in 1990 to 12.65/105 in 2019; AAPC=0.1 "95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1-0.1"]. In terms of breast cancer mortality attributed to modifiable factors, a 3% increase was observed from 1990 (20.4%) to 2019 (23.1%), the highest contributor being high body mass index (3.19% in 1990 to 5.87% in 2019; AAPC=1.5; 95% CI: 1.3-1.5), followed by high fasting plasma glucose (5.01% in 1990 to 7.72% in 2019; AAPC=1.4; 95% CI: 1.3-1.5). Conclusion: The proportion of breast cancer-related deaths attributed to metabolic factors has been increasing in Türkiye from 1990 to 2019. Therefore, health policies aimed at managing metabolic factors in women are warranted to reduce breast cancer-related mortality in Türkiye.

Musculoskeletal disorders and the affecting factors among teachers: An example from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are important health problems due to their high incidence as well as their effects on the society and individuals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the musculoskeletal disorders experienced by teachers, and to evaluate their relationship with certain factors causing musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was carried out on 416 teachers working in a provincial center using the face-to-face interview method. RESULTS: Per this 64.9% of the teachers had musculoskeletal disorders, and the pain was mostly localized in the neck region with 55.5%. The work stress scores of the teachers were found to have a positive and significant correlation with musculoskeletal disorder scores and a negative significant correlation with the satisfaction with life scores (p≤0.001). In multiple regression analysis, the time spent sitting at a desk, time spent working in a standing position, time devoted to housework, shoe preference, work stress and life satisfaction were determined as effective predictors on musculoskeletal complaints. The model that was developed explained 22.5% of the variance (R2 = 22.5; p≤0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among teachers, health-promoting actions are needed in order to raise the awareness of both administrators and teachers in improving working conditions as well as preventing musculoskeletal disorders.

Nursing students' individual values, inclination to ethical and professional values.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between nursing students' individual values, inclination to ethical and professional nursing values. DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 315 nursing students in Turkey. Data were collected using the student information form, the Portrait Values Scale, the Inclination to Ethical Values Scale, and Nursing Professional Values Scale. FINDINGS: The students' basic values are Tradition and Universalism. It was determined that an inclination toward ethical and professional values was quite high. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The fact that nursing students are aware of their individual values how these values affect behaviour can be a guide to human focused values in professional lifes.

Stress level and sleep quality of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection is transmitted easily and quickly, and nurses constitute the riskiest group of healthcare workers. Therefore, they may experience high levels of stress and sleep problems. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted in order to evaluate the stress levels and sleep quality of nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 316 nurses working in a pandemic hospital in a city center. A descriptive form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to collect data. RESULTS: A positive, moderately significant correlation was found between the average PSQI score of nurses and the average perceived stress score (p≤0.001). Multiple regressions determined that shift work, stress level, a coworker having COVID-19, being out of home due to the risk of transmission, and having a person older than 65 in the home were effective predictors of sleep quality (R2 = 33.5, p≤0.001). Age, years worked, fear of infecting the family with COVID-19, receiving COVID-19 education, regular nutrition, and sleep quality were effective predictors of stress level (R2 = 32.2, p≤0.001). CONCLUSION: It was determined that nurses have low sleep quality and high stress levels during the pandemic process.

Working conditions and anxiety levels of employees who have to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the anxiety levels of employees by determining the working conditions and protective practices in the workplace of individuals who had to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was carried out with 801 employees from different sectors who continued to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: The mean age of the employees was 33.1±10.3 years, and 63.4%were male while 46.1%were workers. The GAD-7 anxiety level mean score of the participants was determined as 6.6±5.1. Per this, 25.2%of the participants showed a high tendency to anxiety and 38.5%showed a moderate tendency. A statistically significant difference was found between anxiety level and gender, sector and profession. Besides, there was a statistically significant difference between the perception of workplace risk, the way of transportation to the workplace, the social distance in the workplace, measures taken for COVID-19 in the workplace, and anxiety levels (p < 0.05). In the multiple regression analysis, age, gender, work sector, COVID-19 anxiety levels, infection status, knowledge level and life satisfaction levels were determined as effective predictors on common anxiety disorder and explained 23.2%of the developed model variance (R2 = 0.232, p≤0.001). CONCLUSION: During the pandemic, it was determined that the anxiety susceptibility levels of the employees were very high and their protective practices against COVID-19 in the workplace were insufficient.

Development and Validation of the Gaming Disorder Scale-Family Form.

The aim of the current methodological study was to develop a psychometric measurement tool for determining internet gaming disorder (IGD) based on family members' responses. The sample comprised 173 adolescents and their families. For reliability, the scale was created using item-total correlation, internal consistency coefficient, and test-retest correlation methods. The validity of the scale was evaluated using content validity index (CVI), construct validity, explanatory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). CVI for the scale was 0.92, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.963, and item-total correlation ranged between 0.67 and 0.81. In the EFA, 61.7% of the total variance on the one-dimensional scale was explained and item factor loads ranged between 0.71 and 0.84. CFA showed good fit of the model. Thus, the Gaming Disorder Scale-Family Form, which was proven to be a valid and reliable measurement tool, is recommended for use by health care providers and community partners in the evaluation of potential IGD in adolescents. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(11), 25-32.].

Evaluation of the chronic disease management and depression levels of people over 65 years of age during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to determine the depression risk and the management of chronic diseases of individuals over 65 years old under the mandatory mass coronavirus disease 2019 quarantine. DESIGN AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 185 Turkish elders with chronic diseases. FINDINGS: The majority of the elderly reported that their medication, diet, and exercise programs were not affected, but the regular health controls were negatively affected. Of the participants, 51.9% of them carried the risk of depression. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Urgent action plans for elders need to be developed taking into account psychosocial needs for them to pass the pandemic process with minimal damage.

The Smartphone Addiction Levels and the Association With Communication Skills in Nursing and Medical School Students.

BACKGROUND: The use of smartphones among young people is quite common. However, smartphones are associated with negative effects when used excessively. It has been reported that smartphone use may adversely affect learning in the classroom, cause safety issues, and negatively affect interpersonal communications. PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to determine the level of smartphone addiction among nursing and medical school students and to examine the effect of smartphone addiction level on communication skills. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with medical school and nursing students at a public university (502 participants). Data were collected using a personal information form, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), and the Communication Skills Assessment Scale. RESULTS: All of the participants in the study owned smartphones. Most (70.9%) were female, and 58.2% were in the nursing program. The participants used smartphones for a mean time of 5.07 ± 3.32 hours a day, primarily for messaging. The mean total SAS-SV score for the participants was 31.89 ± 9.90, and a significant difference in SAS-SV mean scores was found with regard to the variables of department, gender, daily smartphone use duration, academic success, status regarding smartphone use in the classroom, participation in sports, easy communication with patients and relatives, preferred mode of communication, health problems tied to phone use, and injury status (p < .05). In addition, a positive weak-to-moderate relationship was found between SAS-SV mean scores and the variables of daily smartphone use duration and years of smartphone use, whereas a negative weak relationship was found between SAS-SV mean scores and Communication Skills Assessment Scale scores. Daily smartphone use duration was found to be the most important predictor of smartphone addiction. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Higher SAS-SV scores have a negative impact on interpersonal communication and social life and reduce learning efficacy in students. Therefore, students and lecturers should be better informed regarding the benefits and risks of smartphone use in education, with precautions provided against excessive and needless use.

Factors affecting the occupational accident rates among nurses.

OBJECTIVE: In this hospital-based study, we aimed to determine occupational accident perceptions and occupational accident reasons in sample of Turkish nurses. METHOD: In the study, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Workload Scale and a Study Questionnaire Form including the employment characteristics of the nurses, their socio demographic characteristics, and the occupational accidents they encountered. RESULTS: 108 nurses (90 females, 18 males; mean age, 26.42±5.5 years) participated in the study. 68.5% of nurses have undergone at least once a occupational accident. Most of the participants were found to have experienced occupational accidents with approximately half evaluating their occupational accidents risk as high. Most of the nurses worked overtime and in shifts. The mean total scores for the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Workload Scale were respectively 9.09±3.33 and 36.94±6.42. Statistically significant differences in occupational accidents were found with regard to Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Workload Scale scores, working in shifts, and working overtime (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that nurses had very high rates of occupational accidents and that the heavy work conditions affected occupational accidents.