Developing the quality of life in pregnancy scale (PREG-QOL).

AIM: This study aims to develop the Quality of Life in Pregnancy Scale (PREG-QOL) as a new instrument to evaluate the quality of life during pregnancy and test its psychometric properties. DESIGN: An instrument development study and psychometric testing of the content and construct validity, factor structure and reliability. METHODS: The study was conducted in three stages: (1) creating an item pool, (2) preliminary evaluation of items, and (3) refining the scale and evaluating psychometric properties. Instrument development guidelines were used to evaluate content validity, construct validity, internal consistency and stability of the instrument over time. Data to evaluate psychometric properties of the PREG-QOL were collected between April and August 2021. RESULTS: Items were developed using in-depth interviews with pregnant women and extensive literature review. Scale-content validity index was 0.98. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 26-item instrument with 6 factors, which explained % 56.2 of variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that factors 3 and 5 should be combined into the factor of physical domain since they included items about the same theme. Fit indices obtained by CFA were at sufficient levels. Parallel test method was employed to evaluate the correlation of the PREG-QOL with the SF-36. The findings indicated that the PREG-QOL had high internal inconsistency and stability over time. CONCLUSION: The PREG-QOL is a valid and reliable instrument in terms of its psychometric characteristics. The 26-item instrument was composed of the five factors of perception of general satisfaction, emotional domain, physical domain, health support systems and social domain. IMPACT: Displaying good psychometric properties, the PREG-QOL may be used to evaluate multiple dimensions of the quality of life during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding self-efficacy in terms of sleep quality, perceived social support, depression and certain variables: a cross-sectional study of postpartum women in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding self-efficacy is one of the key factors that affect a healthy and successful breastfeeding process. A mother's belief regarding her ability to breastfeed is influenced by social and psychological factors. This study aimed to investigate the breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of postpartum women, the factors affecting this, and its relationship with sleep quality, social support and depression. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric department of a tertiary hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Data were collected from 200 postpartum women using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). RESULTS: The mean scores of the BSES-SF, PSQI, MSPSS and EPDS were 59.05 ± 8.28, 9.18 ± 3.67, 57.82 ± 18.81, and 8.98 ± 5.89, respectively. A statistically significant negative correlation was found among the BSES-SF, EPDS (r = -0.445, p = 0.001) and PSQI (r = -0.612, p = 0.004), while a positive correlation was found among the BSES-SF, total MSPSS (r = 0.341, p = 0.036), and family support (r = 0.373, p = 0.014) (p < 0.05). In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the number of births and breastfeeding self-efficacy (F = 3.68; p = 0.001). The linear regression analysis revealed that sleep quality (ß = -0.491, p = 0.001), perceived social support (ß = 0.146, p = 0.015), family support (ß = 0.153, p = 0.013), and depression (ß = -0.228, p = 0.001) emerged as the predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the increase in sleep quality and perceived social support positively affected the breastfeeding self-efficacy of postpartum women, while giving birth for the first time and an increase in the risk of depression were negatively affected.

Effects of Virtual Reality Interventions on the Parameters of Normal Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. A Meta-Analysis of Virtual Reality Interventions on the Parameters of Normal Labor.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and experimental studies on virtual reality have shown that this easy-to-use and non-invasive method is a safe and effective strategy during normal labor. AIM: This study aims to analyze the effects of virtual reality (VR) interventions on some of the parameters of normal labor. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD: Higher Education Council National Thesis Center, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials that administered VR to the intervention group but not to the control group and were published through January 2022. RevMan software was used to analyze the meta-analysis data. Pain, anxiety, satisfaction, and the duration of the first and second stages of labor were assessed as outcomes of normal labor. RESULTS: Seven randomized controlled trials, with a total of 756 women in total, met the inclusion criteria. Virtual reality interventions significantly reduced pain scores when cervical dilatation was ≤4 cm (MD = -0.43, 95% expansion here (CI [-0.65, -0.21], p < .001) and ≥9 cm (SMD = -1.91, 95% CI [-2.56, -1.26], p < .001). Anxiety scores significantly decreased (SMD = -1.08, 95% CI [-1.75, 0.41], p < .001), and childbirth satisfaction significantly increased (MD = 11.24, 95% CI [2.17, 20.30], p < .001) in the VR intervention groups. Finally, when compared to the control groups, the duration of the first stage of labor (SMD = -0.53, 95% CI [-0.83, -0.22], p < .01) and the second stage of labor (MD = -0.39, 95% CI [-0.76, -0.02], p = .001) were significantly decreased in the VR intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality interventions are effective methods to reduce pain, anxiety, and the duration of the first and second stages of labor and to increase satisfaction with normal labor.

Anxiety during the pregnancy and affecting factors: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Studies have shown that anxiety in the perinatal period leads to preterm birth and negatively affects mother and fetus. Understanding prenatal anxiety and associated factors may help develop screening strategies to identify high-risk women needing intervention during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to determine the pregnancy-related, state, and trait anxiety in the prenatal period and affecting factors. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted with 203 pregnant women between May 20 and November 30, 2019. Data were collected using socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics data collection form, Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revised-2 (PRAQ-R2), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I and II (STAI-I and STAI-II). RESULTS: We found statistically significant correlations between age, employment, and parity with fear of giving birth subscale of PRAQ-R2. Pregnant women's mean scale scores were 35.42 ± 9.11 for STAI-I, 42.21 ± 8.21 for STAI-II, and 25.63 ± 8.58 for PRAQ-R2. We found a positive correlation between PRAQ-R2 scale scores and STAI-I, STAI-II scale scores of pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: Age, parity, income, planning status of the pregnancy, and employment status affected the anxiety levels of pregnant women. Assessing the anxiety with multiple validated tools helps clarify the cause of the anxiety and allows to plan appropriate interventions.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of delirium prevention care protocol for the patients with hip fracture: A randomised controlled study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a delirium prevention care protocol on pain, functional status, sleep quality and delirium prevention in patients with hip fractures. BACKGROUND: The development of delirium following hip fracture is common among older patients. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 30% of delirium cases are preventable. The prevention of delirium, a multifactorial syndrome, can be achieved through a multicomponent care protocol that targets specific risk factors for delirium. DESIGN: A randomised controlled study was conducted according to the CONSORT 2010 guidelines. The Clinical Trial Registry number is NCT04188795. METHODS: A total of 84 patients were assigned to two groups by block randomisation. The intervention group (n = 41) received nursing care according to a protocol and the control group (n = 43) received standard nursing care. Study data were collected using the demographic information form, the Confusion Assessment Method-Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU), the Barthel Index, the Mini Nutritional Assessment-short form and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). The pain of the patients was assessed by using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 80.6 years (standard deviation 8.0; range 65.0- 97.5 years), and the percentage of the male patients were 36.3%. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of pain and functional status in the preoperative period, on the first postoperative day, or in the predischarge period (p > 0.05 for each). The sleep quality of patients in the intervention group was significantly better than in the control group for all three time measurements (p < 0.05 for each). While 15% of patients in the control group developed delirium, no patient in the intervention group developed delirium (x2 =6.486, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that a delirium prevention care protocol may reduce the incidence of delirium and improve sleep quality. RELEVANCE TO PRACTICE: The study highlighted that nurses can contribute to preventing patients' delirium using nonpharmacologic and independent nursing interventions.

Interventions aiming to improve informed decision on prenatal screening and testing: A scoping review of the literature.

The aim of this scoping review was to explore interventions and their effect in facilitating decision making on prenatal screening and testing among pregnant women. This review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Methods Manual for scoping reviews. Studies published 2000-2019 that consist of interventions to facilitate pregnant women's decision making in prenatal screening and testing were specifically reviewed. A total of 27 studies are included in this scoping review. In these studies, various methods, including face-to-face individual or group interventions, e-Health interventions, video-based interventions, written educational materials, and decision aid interventions, were developed and tested for their effectiveness in facilitating informed decision making on prenatal screening and testing. While these methods appeared to be effective, further studies involving diverse populations are needed to integrate them into practice. Genetic counselors and healthcare providers working with individuals who are referred for genetic education and counseling need to work collaboratively to facilitate informed decisions on prenatal screening of women and/or their partners.

Counselling and education for prenatal screening and diagnostic tests for pregnant women: Randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of education and counselling on prenatal screening and diagnostic tests on pregnant women's decisional conflict, anxiety levels and attitudes towards the tests. BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines recommend prenatal genetic counselling for pregnant women before participation in the tests. METHODS: A total of 210 pregnant women participated in the study by completing the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I, Decisional Conflict Scale, SURE Scale, Knowledge Assessment Forms, Decision Satisfaction Form and Attitudes Scale between June 2017 and March 2018. In the first stage, pregnant women were evaluated who had only prenatal genetic screening tests and in the second stage, pregnant women who had been recommended to receive diagnostic tests. The intervention group received face-to-face individual education and counselling about prenatal genetic tests. Independent samples t test, t tests and Pearson correlation tests were used. RESULTS: Education and counselling for prenatal screening tests and diagnostic tests from the first weeks of pregnancy were effective in decreasing anxiety, decisional conflict, increasing attitudes towards tests and had positive effects on pregnant women's knowledge level and decision satisfaction (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Prenatal genetic counselling and education are more effective if provided from the first weeks of pregnancy. Decreasing anxiety, decisional conflict and increasing knowledge levels of pregnant women are important to make informed decisions.

Effect of education and counselling on reducing pain and anxiety in women undergoing hysterosalpingography: A randomised controlled trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of education and counselling on anxiety and pain in women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG) as part of infertility treatment. BACKGROUND: The hysterosalpingography has an important diagnostic role in finding the cause of infertility and making a decision on management of treatment. In addition, it is considered a feared procedure in the infertility process and the one about which very little is known. Women often experience anxiety and pain during the HSG procedure. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial. METHODS: The CONSORT guidelines have been used to describe the methods. Women who were diagnosed with infertility between February-October 2016 were included in the study. The participants were randomised and divided into intervention (52) and control (53) groups. The sociodemographic and obstetric data collection form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and a visual analogue scale were used before the procedure. After the questionnaires were applied to the intervention group, individual learning and counselling sessions were given about the hysterosalpingography process. Brochures were also distributed to the patients for their reference after the learning session. The control group received standard care. RESULTS: When the intervention and control groups were compared, it was found that the education and counselling given before the HSG procedure significantly decreased the level of pain and anxiety felt by women. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between pain and anxiety after the training in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the education and counselling given to women before the HSG procedure are effective interventions for reducing pain and anxiety in women undergoing HSG. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: With the application of HSG education and counselling, and the distribution of brochures to each patient, pain and anxiety can be reduced during the HSG procedure.

Breast and cervical cancer screening for women with physical disabilities: A qualitative study of experiences and barriers.

AIM: To determine the experiences of women with physical disabilities regarding the barriers to their participation in breast and cervical cancer screening. DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive study. METHOD: Sixteen women who use wheelchairs were recruited. Data were collected via semi-structured face-to-face interviews between January - March 2017. Interviews were transcribed and data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Three main themes were uncovered: (a) Personal factors; such as lack of knowledge, fear and embarrassment, feeling anxious about the examination process and dependency on others; (b) Environmental and structural factors; and (c) expectations and suggestions of women with disabilities to enable their participation in screening. CONCLUSION: The participation rate of women with physical disabilities in screening is low. The participation of women with disabilities in breast and cervical cancer screening may increase if physical barriers to accessing healthcare services are removed, appropriate and less time-consuming examination conditions are met, and healthcare personnel are informed about the needs of persons with disabilities. IMPACT: Knowing the barriers for women with physical disabilities to participate in cancer screening can help health professionals develop new procedures to increase their participation to cancer screening. Women with physical disabilities encountered various barriers such as; lack of knowledge, fear and embarrassment, feeling anxious about the examination process and dependency on others, access to the healthcare services, environmental, physical limitations, and inadequate knowledge of healthcare professional about their disability. This study will guide healthcare professionals in developing strategies to increase the participation of women with physical disabilities in screening.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Education Needs, Gender Roles Attitudes and Acceptance of Couple Violence According to Engaged Men and Women.

This descriptive study was aimed to evaluate the attitudes of the engaged men and women who are of legal age to marry towards gender roles and acceptance of couple violence, and determine their sexual/reproductive health education needs. It was conducted in two marriage registry offices in Ankara, Turkey. The study sample consisted of 740 participants. Data were collected by using semi-structured form, Gender Roles Attitude Scale and Acceptance of Couple Violence Scale. It was found that the engaged couples had educational needs concerning sexual/reproductive health; socio-demographic characteristics such as gender, age, education, residence, and income level created significant differences in the attitudes related to accepting gender roles and violence; and having an egalitarian attitude towards gender roles decreased the rate of accepting violence between the couples. Results indicate that premarital counseling is a promising strategy to support engaged couples' sexual/reproductive health needs, and increase their awareness about gender based couple violence in communities.

Learning Needs of Gynecologic Cancer Survivors.

To define the learning needs of patients with gynecological oncology. The study was performed as a descriptive study. A total of 92 patients were participated. Data were collected using Patient Learning Needs Scale (PLNS). The Pearson correlation test, independent sample t test, and analysis of one-way of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's-B post hoc tests were used for statistical analyses by the SPSS 15.0 software package. The mean age of women's was 50.37 ± 12.20 years. The women's diagnoses were cervical (45.7 %), ovarian (27.2 %), and endometrial (19.6 %) cancers. The most frequently stated learning needs topics were coping with pain (47.8 %), daily living activities (46.2 %), and psychological support (44.6 %). The mean PLNS score of women was 212.56 ± 35.83. The mean subscales scores of PLNS were 34.06 ± 7.29 for medicines, 38.34 ± 6.74 for daily living activities, and 24.68 ± 5.41 for community subscales. Women who graduated from elementary school needed more education than the women with higher education (p < 0.001). Learning needs level of the women are high and related to increase quality of life, medicine usage, complications of treatment, skin problems, pain management, and supportive care. As a healthcare professional, we should plan and develop educational programs in order to adequately inform patients about their learning needs.

Relationship Between Problematic Internet Use and Time Management Among Nursing Students.

The Internet is an essential part of everyday life, particularly for the younger generation. The aims of this study were to evaluate nursing students' problematic Internet use and time management skills and to assess relationship between Internet use and time management. This descriptive study was conducted with 311 nursing students in Ankara, Turkey, from February to April 2016. The data were collected using the Problematic Internet Use Scale and Time Management Inventory. The Problematic Internet Use Scale and Time Management Inventory median scores were 59.58 ± 20.69 and 89.18 ± 11.28, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between both nursing students' Problematic Internet Use Scale and Time Management Inventory median scores and some variables (school grade, the time spent on the Internet). Fourth-year students were more prone to excessive use of the Internet and the resulting negative consequences than students from other year levels (P < .05). A significant negative relationship was also found between problematic Internet use and time management (P < .05). This study demonstrates that the Internet use of participants was not problematic and their time management skills were on a moderate level.

Quality of life in climacteric Turkish women with urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health problem and negatively affects the quality of life of women who are afflicted. The aim of the study is to explore the prevalence and risk factors of UI among climacteric Turkish women and to examine the effects of UI on their quality of life. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 258 women aged 40-64 years who visited the outpatient clinic in Ankara, Turkey, between 15 June 2012 and 15 January 2013. The data were collected using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire. This paper reveals that the overall prevalence of UI was 45.3%. Stress UI, mixed UI, and urge UI were reported by 54.7%, 22.2%, and 10.3% of the subjects, respectively. The proportion of women suffering from UI who seek medical treatment was low despite mild or moderate negative effect impacts on their quality of life. Increasing women's awareness of UI and protective measures is essential, and standard UI assessment should be added to all patient examinations.

Urinary Incontinence in Pregnant Women: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Its Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy and to evaluate its effect on health-related quality of life. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample of the study comprised 287 pregnant women attending an outpatient clinic located in a research and training hospital in Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: Data were collected using an investigator-developed questionnaire that included 2 validated instruments, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and Incontinence Quality of Life scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of UI in the study population was 21.3% (n = 61). Cumulative scores in pregnant women who "always" experienced UI and those who expressed a "large amount" of UI were lower than women with milder UI. Logistic regression analysis found associations between UI and age in years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.833; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.763-8.332), parity (OR = 2.539; 95% CI, 1.135-5.675), third trimester versus first trimester (OR = 3.206; 95% CI, 1.178-8.725), and prior use of hormonal contraceptives (OR = 0.209; 95% CI, 0.085-0.513). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary incontinence is prevalent among pregnant women. Age, parity, and gestational week were associated with an increased likelihood of UI during pregnancy. Prior use of contraceptive hormones was associated with a reduced risk of UI during pregnancy.

Evaluating dysmenorrhea in a sample of Turkish nursing students.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and symptoms of dysmenorrhea, its relevant factors, and the rate of seeking medical help in a group of nursing students. A total of 380 students were included in the study. The demographic data questionnaire, a Daily Menstrual Symptom Rating Scale (DMSR), and the Visual Analog Scale for pain (VASP) were used as tools for data collection. The mean age of the participants was 20.31 ± 1.10 years. Most students had experienced dysmenorrhea (84.9%). Menstrual pain was frequently initiated on the first day of menstruation (77.8%). The most commonly reported menstrual problems were irregular menstrual cycles (27.2%) and oligomenorrhea (15.1%). Only 24.1% of students consulted their physicians for dysmenorrhea. The participants who had dysmenorrhea had significantly higher symptom scores than the participants who had not had dysmenorrhea, in terms of decreased activities, tension, hip and abdominal pain, backache, headache, and fatigue. Also, having a sister with dysmenorrhea increased the risk of dysmenorrhea. Although dysmenorrhea is a gynecological problem that is commonly seen in young women and that negatively affects daily activities and school life, the rate of seeking medical help is low. Adolescents should, therefore, be educated and counseled to determine the underlying cause and to increase the use of an effective treatment method. Considering that nurses should be better informed about dysmenorrhea causes and treatment options, a study of nursing students was undertaken.

Determination of vaccination status of pregnant women during pregnancy and the affecting factors.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the vaccination status of pregnant women during pregnancy and factors affecting their vaccination. BACKGROUND: Immunisation provided through vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce or prevent the risks of disease, disability and death. Maternal and newborn health may be protected and morbidity may be decreased through vaccinating pregnant women when necessary. DESIGN: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional survey. METHODS: This study was conducted in a university hospital in Ankara, Turkey, between 01 March and 31 May 2010. The study was carried out with 198 healthy pregnant women who had completed the 26th week of gestation. Data were collected using the data collection form composed of questions enquiring about the demographic and obstetric features of pregnant women and whether or not they knew that vaccinations could be given during pregnancy, and which vaccines could be used during pregnancy, which vaccine/vaccines they had previously received and the reasons for having been vaccinated or not. RESULTS: Approximately half of the participants had received at least one of the vaccines that may be used in pregnancy (52·0%). The pregnant women received vaccinations for tetanus (47·0%), H1N1 (9·1%), seasonal influenza (3·0%) and hepatitis B (0·5%), respectively. The pregnant women who had been educated about vaccinations had been vaccinated at a statistically significantly higher rate compared with those who had not. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that pregnant women's knowledge about the required vaccines during pregnancy affected their behaviour towards vaccination. Acquiring knowledge about vaccines that may be used during pregnancy from health personnel is effective to increase vaccination. This result may be interpreted as 'acquired information affects behaviour towards vaccination'. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Providing information about immunisation to pregnant women at the antenatal clinic is important in terms of maternal and newborn health. Nurses and midwives working in the antenatal field should be sufficiently educated about immunisation.

Fear, anxiety, and knowledge levels of women who underwent gynecologic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the fear, anxiety, and knowledge level in women who underwent gynecological surgical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 188 women who underwent a gynecologic surgical operation in Mugla, Turkey. Data were collected by using demographics and obstetric detail form, questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward COVID-19, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I (STAI-I). RESULTS: Most of the women perceived their surgical process as very urgent. Women felt fear mostly for being infected with the virus, and they were afraid of transmitting COVID-19 to another one. The COVID-19 knowledge scores of women who had undergone cancer surgery were statistically significantly higher than others (p=0.017). The STAI-I scores of women increased as their COVID-19 knowledge scores increased (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that women were afraid of COVID-19 infection during gynecological operation and due to hospitalization, sociodemographic characteristics affected the knowledge levels about COVID-19 infection, and the anxiety levels of the women. Planning appropriate interventions to decrease the fear and anxiety of women who undergo gynecological surgery during the pandemic is important to ensure that women adhere to their treatment and follow-up in the postoperative period.

Effectiveness of nursing interventions to increase pap smear test screening.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a three-stage nursing intervention to increase Turkish women's participation in Pap smear testing. Knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer screening and barriers to Pap smears also were explored. In a quasi-experimental study in a target population of 2,500 women, 237 completed pre-test measures to inform the intervention, and an educational brochure was distributed to all 2,500. As a result, 510 women (20.4%) accepted free Pap smears. Of the remaining 1,990 women, 417 were randomly selected for telephone interviews, 302 participated, and 158 of these (52.3%) participated in free Pap smear testing. Of the 144 who did not have Pap smears after participating in telephone interviews, 54 were then interviewed face-to-face, and 20 (37.0%) decided to accept free Pap smears. A total of 668 women had accepted free Pap smears by the end of the intervention period.

Effects of COVID-19 fear and anxiety on attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine use in women with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with gynecological cancer commonly use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods to cope with the disease. However, despite the existence of treatment strategies, the effect of fear and anxiety caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on attitudes about CAM use is unclear. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of fear and anxiety experienced by patients with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic on their attitudes towards the use of CAM. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study that included 177 women with gynecological cancer; participants were recruited from a social networking site for cancer patients in Turkey between June and December 2021. Data were collected using an online survey that included the Personal Information Form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Attitude Towards Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson's correlation test, and simple linear and multiple regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. RESULTS: During the pandemic, 55.4% of the participants reported using CAM methods, but only 22.6% were using CAM before the pandemic. The participants who used CAM during the pandemic also scored higher on the fear of COVID-19 and coronavirus anxiety scales (20.69 ± 5.37 and 13.09 ± 6.29, respectively) compared to the participants who did not use CAM (9.29 ± 2.72 and 6.35 ± 2.06, respectively). Fear of COVID-19 accounted for 52% of the CAM attitude score, while coronavirus anxiety accounted for 15% of the CAM attitude score. Fear of COVID-19 and coronavirus anxiety together accounted for 53% of CAM attitude. CONCLUSION: Gynecological cancer patients with high levels of COVID-19-related anxiety and fear during the pandemic used CAM more. Given that the psychological effects of the pandemic will continue in the coming years, CAM use should be evaluated as a coping strategy, especially due to the COVID-19-related anxiety and fear experienced by patients with gynecological cancer. While the rational and effective CAM methods should be supported, strategies should be developed to prevent misuse of CAM and its interference in prescribed medical treatments. Please cite this article as: Uslu-Sahan F, Yesilcinar I, Kurt G, Hancer E, Guvenc G. Effects of COVID-19 fear and anxiety on attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine use in women with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(4): 377-384.

Assessment of depression and sexual quality of life in postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of depression, review some variables that are believed to be associated and assess the relationships between depression and sexual quality of life in postmenopausal women. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on postmenopausal women in Ankara, Turkey from February to June 2020. The study group consisted of 242 postmenopausal women. The Beck Depression Inventory and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire were used to assess the level of depression and sex life, respectively. Online questionnaire forms (Google Form) prepared by using the literature in line with the study objective were completed by the women online. Independent t-test, analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and Pearson's correlation analysis were used for statistical analyses. Statistical significance was accepted as p ≤ 0.05. FINDINGS: The of women was found to be 52.64 (±6.245) years and the average menopause age was found to be 47.81 (±4.039) years in this study. The mean score obtained by the women from the Beck Depression Inventory was 13.04 (±7.82). It was determined that the women showed "mild depressive symptoms" mostly. As for the women's sexual quality of life, the mean score obtained from the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire was 61.32 (±14.70). A statistically significant and moderate negative correlation was detected between the mean scores obtained by the women from the Beck Depression Inventory and the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (r = -0.305; p < 0.01). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It was determined in the study that sexual quality of life is affected by menopause negatively and the women had mild depressive symptoms. Depression among postmenopausal women is an important women's health problem that should be addressed. A negative correlation was found between depression and sexual quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment of menopause as well as activities for raising awareness among postmenopausal women will be effective in improving quality of life.