The effect of hydrogen-rich water consumption on premenstrual symptoms and quality of life: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) consists of psychiatric or somatic symptoms negatively affecting the daily life. PMS treatment can involve the use of complementary-alternative approaches. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may treat PMS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of drinking HRW on the severity of premenstrual symptoms and the quality of life of women who suffer from PMS. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized into two groups (intervention group=33, control group=32) using the block randomization method. Participants were requested to consume 1500-2000 mL of HRW daily in the intervention group and drink water in the placebo group. Participants began drinking either HRW or placebo water from day 16 of their menstrual cycle until day 2 of the following cycle for three menstrual cycles. The research data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and Short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL- BREF). RESULTS: The intervention group had significantly lower mean scores than the control group in both the first and second follow-ups on the PMSS (P<0.05). In the first follow-up, the intervention group had significantly higher mean scores in the Physical Health and Psychological domains of the WHOQOL-BREF compared to the control group (P<0.05). Group × time interaction was significant for PMSS (F = 10.54, P<0.001). Group × time interaction was insignificant for WHOQOL- BREF (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of HRW reduces the severity of premenstrual symptoms and improves individuals' quality of life in physical and psychological domains.

Mothers' Experiences of Tandem Breastfeeding: A Phenomenological Study.

OBJECTIVE: Despite many benefits of tandem breastfeeding, mothers stop breastfeeding their older babies early during pregnancy due to inadequate knowledge and support. This study was conducted to determine the tandem breastfeeding experiences of mothers. STUDY DESIGN: A phenomenological design was used in this study. The data of the study were collected between January and August 2018. In-depth, individual, open-ended interviews were carried out for data collection. A personal information form and a semi-structured in-depth interview form were used to collect data. It was conducted with 13 women who were tandem breastfeeding, 9 of whom had given birth and 4 of whom were pregnant. RESULTS: The data obtained from the interviews with mothers who were tandem breastfeeding were classified into nine themes, namely: metaphors, feelings, benefits, myths, facilitators, pathways to tandem breastfeeding, fears and worries, difficulties, and obstacles. Mothers experienced many benefits of tandem breastfeeding for maternal and infant health. In addition, although there was no evidence in the literature regarding the harms of tandem breastfeeding, they encountered many myths about it. These myths increased their concerns about this type of breastfeeding. Mothers could not get enough information and support from health care professionals, and this was reported as a challenging experience of tandem breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Despite many positive experiences, mothers who tandem breastfeed may also face various difficulties. They need a breastfeeding-friendly environment and support from family and health professionals to cope with these challenges. KEY POINTS: · Mothers experienced many benefits of tandem breastfeeding for maternal and infant health.. · Pain and tenderness in the breasts, insomnia, and fatigue show the issues that should be supported in tandem breastfeeding mothers.. · Some women felt uterine contractions during pregnancy, but none of them experienced abortion or premature birth.. · In the absence of a risky condition, tandem breastfeeding should be supported and the concerns caused by myths should be replaced by proven scientific results..

Development of the Breastfeeding Myths Scale.

Introduction: Breastfeeding myths are culturally ingrained misconceptions related to breastfeeding and adversely affect the breastfeeding process. The objective of this study is to develop the Breastfeeding Myths Scale. Methods: This methodological study was conducted with a total of 413 participants. In the first phase, exploratory factor analysis was employed, followed by confirmatory factor analysis in the second phase. Furthermore, a test-retest was conducted to assess the reliability of the scale scores. Results: As a result of psychometric analyses, the single-dimensional 30-item Breastfeeding Myths Scale was deemed a valid and reliable instrument. The Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was established at 0.91, and the test-retest reliability at 0.90. According to the results of the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal cutoff point was determined to be 119.50, with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 53%. Conclusions: Breastfeeding Myths Scale was deemed significant for identifying the prevalence of breastfeeding myths. Utilization of the Breastfeeding Myths Scale is recommended for future research endeavors and individual clinical assessments.

The effect of virtual reality on women's perceived pain, fear, anxiety, and views about the procedure during hysterosalpingography: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hysterosalpingography is a stressful procedure that causes pain and anxiety. Therefore, measures must be taken to reduce or eliminate the pain and anxiety associated with it. OBJECTIVES: This paper investigated the effect of virtual reality (VR) during hysterosalpingography on pain, anxiety, fear, physiological parameters, and satisfaction. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial design was used. Patients were randomized into two groups (VR group = 31, control group = 31). The study was conducted between April 26 and June 30, 2022. Anxiety was evaluated using the State Anxiety Inventory. Pain, fear, and satisfaction were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were followed up. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the mean VAS scores during and 15 min after hysterosalpingography between the VR and control groups. There was no significant difference in the mean SAI scores between the groups. The VR group participants were significantly more satisfied with hysterosalpingography than the control group. There was no significant difference in physiological parameters just before, immediately after, and 15 min after hysterosalpingography between the groups. CONCLUSION: Virtual reality helps patients experience less pain and fear and makes them more satisfied with hysterosalpingography. However, it does not affect their anxiety and vital signs. Patients are highly satisfied with VR technology.

Genotoxicity of the some selective estrogen receptor modulators: a review.

The objective of this article is to review genotoxicological profile of the major selective estrogen receptor modulators, including clomiphene, tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene. These drugs have been used for infertility treatment and breast cancer prevention in high risk-women. However, some studies reported that especially tamoxifen is a genotoxic agent and is related with endometrial cancer. Our review indicate that clomiphene and tamoxifen were found as genotoxic agent in majority of the tests. However published reports showed that toremifene is a weakly genotoxic agent. The genotoxic effects of raloxifene are still poorly known. Further genotoxicity studies should be conducted especially for raloxifene.