Predictive value of inflammatory markers (NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, PIV, IG, and MII) for latency period in Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to investigate the value of inflammatory indices in predicting the latency period until birth in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on PPROM cases between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation at Ankara Etlik City Hospital Perinatology Department from October 2023 to April 2024. A total of 146 participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 included 73 patients who gave birth within 72 hours (h) of PPROM diagnosis, and Group 2 included 73 patients who gave birth after 72 h. RESULTS: This study evaluated the prognostic significance of various inflammatory markers neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), pan-immune inflammation value (PIV), immature granulocytes (IG), multi-inflammatory index (MII)-1, MII-2, and MII-3 in predicting the latency period in patients with PPROM. Only MII-1, MII-2, and MII-3 reliably predicted labor within 72 h. The cut-off value for MII-1 was > 48.3, with a sensitivity of 57.7% and specificity of 57.3% (AUC: 0.598, 95% CI: 0.503-0.692, p = 0.042). For MII-2, the cut-off was > 1037.6, with a sensitivity of 57.7% and specificity of 57.3% (AUC: 0.611, 95% CI: 0.516-0.705, p = 0.021). MII-3 had a cut-off of > 10919.9, with a sensitivity of 53.5% and specificity of 52% (AUC: 0.595, 95% CI: 0.501-0.690, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that, among NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, PIV, IG, MII-1, MII-2, and MII-3, only MII-1, MII-2, and MII-3 levels are statistically significant in predicting birth timing.

Comparison of the Effects of Body Mechanics Education Methods on Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Educating patients undergoing surgery for LDH is important to maintain the proper performance of body mechanics. PURPOSE: The study compared the effects of standard, brochure-based, and video-based education on postoperative pain, disability, and the quality of life in patients undergoing surgery for lumbar disc herniation. DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery of a training and research hospital in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS: Sixty patients (n = 20 control, n = 20 video, n = 20 brochure) undergoing surgery for LDH who volunteered to participate. METHODS: The study was carried out between 15 January and 30 July 2017. The data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively using the Patients' Characteristics Form, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Physical Functioning and Bodily Pain subscales of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) and the Survey of Patient Satisfaction with Clinical Education and Materials. RESULTS: All three groups were similar in terms of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Preoperative scores obtained from the ODI, SF-MPQ, and the two subscales of the SF-36 were not significantly different. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the video group (81.5 ± 24.3) and the control group (67.7 ± 18.6) in terms of the Physical Functioning subscale of the SF-36 in the postoperative period (p< .05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative education on body mechanics increases the physical functioning of patients with LDH and facilitates the integration of information into their daily activities.

The effectiveness of video training in improving intensive care nurses' knowledge about brain death identification.

BACKGROUND: Because patients diagnosed with brain death in intensive care units constitute a potential cadaveric donor group for organ transplantation, intensive care units are potential donor sources. Nurses who closely monitor the patient collaborate with medical personnel in the recognition and early diagnosis of brain death. Nurses also have an important role in supporting the patient's family. Therefore, it is very important for nurses to know the diagnostic criteria for brain death. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of theoretical education and video-assisted education in equipping intensive care nurses to recognize brain death. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, experimental study was conducted between February and May 2020 with a total of 50 intensive care nurses, split into 25 in the video-assisted training group and 25 in the theoretical training group. In study, intensive care nurses were given a theoretical training and video-assisted training on brain death criteria. One group was trained theoretically and the other group used a video showing criteria for brainstem reflexes (pupil assessment, spontaneous breathing, corneal reflex, retching and coughing assessments) and deep tendon reflexes in a simulated patient, supported by animation. The data were collected before, immediately after and 3 months after the training using the Brain Death Criteria Knowledge Test, the Brain Death Case Test, and the Training Effectiveness Evaluation Form. The independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman test, Wilcoxon test, and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis of data. RESULTS: It was found that the knowledge scores of both groups immediately after training and 3 months after training were higher than before the training (p < .001). However, the post-training knowledge scores of the video-assisted training group were significantly higher than those of the theoretical training group (p = .011). CONCLUSIONS: To enable intensive care nurses to identify brain death, video-assisted training with a simulated patient is recommended, as is repeating the training at regular intervals. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The simulated patient video-assisted training method can be used for in-service training to provide intensive care nurses with the ability to identify brain death. The training may be repeated at regular intervals (e.g., every 3 months) to increase nurse recall.

The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and the Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale: Turkish Version.

AIM: The aim of this study is to adapt the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale to the Turkish language and culture. METHODS: This psychometric test was conducted in a nursing school in Ankara, Turkey, from April to June 2014. Convenience sampling was used. The sample of this study was 190 third- and fourth-year nursing students. The items of the scale were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient for correlation-based item analysis. Cronbach's alpha, test and retest analysis were used to measure reliability. Exploratory factor analysis and correlation analysis were performed to determine validity. Principal component analysis was used to analyze factor. RESULTS: The subscales' Cronbach's alpha values were varied between .760 and .933. A positive relationship was found between tests and retests points of the subscales (P < .05). Five factors were identified in the exploratory factor analysis. There was a meaningful correlation between subscale points of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale and the Clinical Learning Environment Scale (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale was validated and a reliable measurement tool. It can be used to evaluate clinical nursing education in Turkey.

Reliability and validity of a Turkish version of the Sexual Quality of Life - Male questionnaire: a methodological study.

Background The aim of this methodological study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Sexual Quality of Life - Male (SQoL-M) questionnaire translated and adapted to measure the sexual quality of life of men in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. METHODS: To assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the SQoL-M questionnaire, in January and February 2017 we formed a sample of 128 men from Ankara, Turkey, and Girne, Northern Cyprus, to complete the questionnaire. Two weeks later, 65 of these men completed the questionnaire during a retest. Factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the questionnaire's factor structure, internal consistency and test-retest reliability analyses were used to assess reliability and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to measure criterion-related validity. RESULTS: Cronbach's α for the Turkish version of the SQoL-M questionnaire was 0.91, with corrected item-total score correlations ranging from 0.432 to 0.819. The test-retest correlation, calculated to compare scale scores of both groups of participants, was 0.83 (P<0.001). We also observed a statistically significant relationship between the Turkish version of the SQoL-M questionnaire and the Arizona Sexual Experience scale. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of the SQoL-M questionnaire is a valid, reliable instrument for evaluating the sexual quality of life of men in Turkey and Northern Cyprus.

Impact of preoperative defecation pattern on postoperative constipation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyse the impact of preoperative defecation pattern on postoperative defecation pattern for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. BACKGROUND: Constipation is a neglected problem that occurs frequently after cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Descriptive study. METHOD: The study sample comprised 102 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. A Descriptive Information Form, Rome III Diagnostic Criteria, Constipation Severity Instrument, Postoperative Defecation Pattern Evaluation Form and Bristol Stool Form Scale were used for data collection and analysis. RESULTS: The Constipation Severity Instrument scores of just over one-third (37·2%) of the patients who were constipated prior to surgery were higher compared to those who were not constipated. Following cardiac surgery, 39·2% of patients developed constipation and 80% of these patients were constipated prior to cardiac surgery. The findings indicate a significantly high relationship between preoperative and postoperative defecation pattern (r = 0·71, p < 0·001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative defecation pattern is a determining factor for the development of postoperative constipation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: During the preoperative period, clinical nurses may evaluate the patients' defecation patterns using valid and reliable scales and follow the defecation of the patients, especially patients with defecation problems, during the postoperative period.

The Effectiveness of Neck Stretching Exercises Following Total Thyroidectomy on Reducing Neck Pain and Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although there are a limited number of studies showing effects of neck stretching exercises following a thyroidectomy in reducing neck discomfort symptoms, no study has specifically dealt with and examined the effect of neck stretching exercises on neck pain and disability. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of neck stretching exercises, following a total thyroidectomy, on reducing neck pain and disability. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The participants were randomly assigned either to the stretching exercise group (n = 40) or to the control group (n = 40). The stretching exercise group learned the neck stretching exercises immediately after total thyroidectomy. The effects of the stretching exercises on the participants' neck pain and disability, neck sensitivity, pain with neck movements as well as on wound healing, were evaluated at the end of the first week and at 1 month following surgery. RESULTS: When comparing neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) scores, neck sensitivity and pain with neck movement before thyroidectomy, after 1 week and after 1-month time-points, it was found that patients experienced significantly less pain and disability in the stretching exercise group than the control group (p < .001). At the end of the first week, the NPDS scores (mean [SD] = 8.82 [12.23] vs. 30.28 [12.09]), neck sensitivity scores (median [IR] = 0 [.75] vs. 2.00 [4.0]) and pain levels with neck movements (median [IR] = 0 [2.0] vs. 3.5 [5.75]) of the stretching exercise group were significantly lower than those of the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the scores at the 1-month evaluation (p > .05). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Neck stretching exercises done immediately after a total thyroidectomy reduce short-term neck pain and disability symptoms.

A randomised clinical trial comparing the patient comfort and efficacy of three different graduated compression stockings in the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the comfort levels of patients regarding the use of three different graduated compression stockings and to analyse the efficacies of the graduated compression stockings in relation to patient comfort and compliance in prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis. BACKGROUND: Graduated compression stockings are very important with other prophylaxis methods in postoperative deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. In meta-analyses and systematic review studies, it was reported that knee-length and thigh-length graduated compression stockings had similar efficacies. However, there is no randomised study in literature regarding the patient problems and levels of comfort with the use of graduated compression stockings of different sizes and pressures. DESIGN: A randomised clinical trial design. METHODS: A total of 219 patients were randomised into three groups (n = 73 in each group). Group I was given low-pressure, knee-length graduated compression stockings, group II was given low-pressure, thigh-length graduated compression stockings and group III was given moderate-pressure, knee-length graduated compression stockings. The level of patients comfort regarding the graduated compression stockings and occurrence of deep vein thrombosis were examined. RESULTS: The vast majority of the patients (79·5%) in group III and 52·1% of the patients in group II stated experiencing problems during the use of the graduated compression stockings (p < 0·001). The graduated compression stockings were reported by the patients as being very comfortable in the group I (p < 0·001). No findings of thrombosis were observed in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: The low-pressure, knee-length graduated compression stockings are as effective as the other graduated compression stockings of different pressures and sizes in the postoperative deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, and the patients have fewer problems while using these graduated compression stockings with a high satisfaction. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The combined use of pharmacological, mechanical and physical methods and patient education is effective in the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis. The use of low-pressure, knee-length graduated compression stockings in clinical practice may be recommended, as the patients have fewer problems while using these graduated compression stockings with a high satisfaction.

Experiences of Turkish undergraduate nursing students in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practicum provides many opportunities for nursing students to learn more about their subject and develop essential nursing skills. In contrast, nursing students often have difficulties during their clinical practicum. AIM: This study aims to describe the clinical experiences of undergraduate nursing students in the intensive care unit. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative approach was used in this study. The study was performed at a military medical academy between 1 March and 30 April 2008. The study was conducted with 15 fourth-year baccalaureate nursing students. Data were obtained through open-ended and in-depth audio-taped interviews, which lasted approximately 35-45 min. FINDINGS: Themes emerged from the participants' descriptions of their experiences in the intensive care unit: anxiety, fear of doing harm, emotional connection and empathy, improving self-confidence, perceived responsibility for patients, prioritizing care of patients, preserving dignity, coping with confronting situations, and communication in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: The views and expectations of nursing students regarding intensive care practice are important for the organization of the nursing education environment. The nursing curriculum must be revised and developed according to the needs of students.

Validity and reliability of Turkish version of family satisfaction in the intensive care unit.

To evaluate the quality of care that is provided in intensive care units, needs and satisfaction of the patient relatives must also be considered. The aim of the study is to test the Turkish version of the Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU-24) Survey, which was developed by Heyland et al. This study was planned and applied as a methodological study. Survey was conducted in the intensive care units of a military education and research hospital and a medical faculty hospital, department of anaesthesia and reanimation in the capital city Ankara of Turkey. Sample of the survey was composed of 120 participants. Cronbach's alpha value for the FS-ICU-24 general internal consistency in this study was calculated as 0.95 for total scale. In this study, the Turkish version of the FS-ICU-24 was found to be reliable and valid with Turkish population.

Peripheral Intravenous Catheter-Related Phlebitis and Infiltration in an Emergency Department: A Descriptive Study.

This study aims to analyze the incidences of peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis and infiltration and the associated risk factors in emergency departments. This descriptive cross-sectional, nonexperimental study was conducted with 300 participants in the emergency department of a university hospital in Türkiye between January 15 and February 15, 2018. The incidence of peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis was 31%, which was grade 1 in 29.7% and grade 2 in 1.3% of the emergency department participants. Additionally, the incidence of peripheral intravenous catheter-related infiltration was 55.4%, including grades 1, 2, and 3 in 36.0%, 12.7%, and 6.7% of the participants, respectively. Incidences of phlebitis and infiltration were related to age, duration of peripheral intravenous catheterization longer than 24 hours, and repeated use of the catheter insertion site. The findings of this study may draw attention to the factors that trigger phlebitis and infiltration due to peripheral intravenous catheter insertions in the emergency department and may guide practices to prevent these complications before they develop. In this context, the Phlebitis Scale and Infiltration Scale developed by the Infusion Nurses Society are recommended to be used in the emergency department.

Determination of the effect of the pre-surgery COVID-19 fear level and hygiene behaviours of the patients on the personal protective clinical measures developed after the surgery: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: This study aims to examine patients' preoperative COVID-19 fear levels, hygiene behaviours, postoperative personal protective clinical measures, and their correlations with each other. DESIGN: This research is a cross-sectional type of study. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 131 patients hospitalized in the general surgery inpatient ward of a hospital in Turkey. The sample was determined by G-Power analysis. The data were collected in two stages in a research hospital between 1 April 2021 and 1 March 2022. Sociodemographic and Clinical Information Form, COVID-19 Fear Scale, COVID-19 Hygiene Scale were used before surgery; COVID-19 personal protective clinical measures questionnaire was used after surgery. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA test, Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation analysis were used to evaluate the data. RESULTS: It was determined that preoperative COVID-19 fear levels, hygiene behaviours, and the personal protective clinical measures developed after the surgery were above moderate. A statistically significant and positive correlation was found between the COVID-19 Fear Scale and the preoperative COVID-19 Hygiene Scale and postoperative COVID-19 personal protective clinical prevention questionnaire total score and sub-dimension score averages. Patients' COVID-19 fears, preoperative and postoperative hygiene behaviours are statistically significantly associated with each other at a low level; postoperative clinical precautions and preoperative hygiene behaviours are statistically significantly associated with each other at a high level. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that patients are terrified of COVID-19 while they are hospitalized due to surgical intervention during the pandemic process, and they increase their hygiene measures. It is thought that the results of the study will guide the regulation of clinical measures, patient education, and nursing care to be developed for patients during pandemic periods. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

The effect of in-bed turning and mobilization training given to patients who undergo lumbar disk surgery on postoperative first mobility level: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mobilization and in-bed turning training given through the role-playing technique to patients to undergo lumbar disk surgery on the patient's pain, strain and dependence level during the first postoperative mobilization (turning, sitting, standing and walking). METHODS: Patients who would undergo a lumbar disk hernia surgery were recruited from a neurosurgery clinic in Turkey. Patients who met inclusion criteria and agreed to participate (n = 40) in the study were randomly assigned to an intervention group (in-bed turning and mobilization training simulated with the role-playing technique, n = 19) and a control group (usual clinical care, n = 21). The outcome of the study was patient mobility and observer mobility scale scores. RESULTS: Postoperative scores obtained from the patient mobility and observer mobility scale were lower in the intervention group than the scores of the control group, and the difference between the groups was found statistically significant (p < 0.05). The anxiety levels of the intervention group before (38.00 ± 6.59, p < 0.001) and after mobilization (31.63 ± 4.57, p = 0.032) were significantly lower. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate training improves patient care outcomes for first postoperative mobility. It is recommended that structured training for in-bed turning and mobilization should be integrated into routine clinical care in the preoperative period for patients to undergo lumbar disk hernia surgery. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Preoperative training increases the patient's willingness to be mobilized and decreases the anxiety level and perceived pain and strain.

The effect of using illustrated materials for communication on the anxiety and comfort of cardiac surgery patients receiving mechanical ventilator support: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Using illustrated communication materials with patients receiving mechanical ventilation support increases patient satisfaction and reduces communication difficulties. However, there are no randomized controlled clinical studies showing the effect of the use of these materials on patient care outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of using illustrated communication materials on the anxiety and comfort levels of patients receiving mechanical ventilation support. METHODS: In this controlled clinical trial, patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group that used illustrated communication materials or the control group that used routine communication methods. In the first minute of contact with patients in the intensive care unit, then at 30 min and 60 min, patients' numerical pain-rating scale scores, hemodynamic values, and face-anxiety scale scores were recorded. Satisfaction with communication and perianesthesia comfort scale scores were obtained the day after operation. RESULTS: After 30 min of communication, the percentage of face-anxiety points difference decreased in the intervention group (-14.16) compared to the control group (-6.11), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In terms of perceived comfort during postoperative mechanical ventilation, the mean score of the patients in the intervention group (106.10) was higher than the control group (88.53), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 90% of the patients in the intervention group and 30% of the patients in the control group were satisfied with the communication method used, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Using illustrated communication materials reduces anxiety and increases patient satisfaction and comfort levels. In communicating with intubated patients, the use of illustrated communication materials is recommended.

Comparison of operating room nurses' satisfaction and preferences in using personal protective equipment for eye protection in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives. This study aimed to compare the problems, satisfaction and preferences of operating room nurses about the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for eye protection during operations in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted in April 2021 in the operating room of a hospital in Turkey. The sample of this study consisted of 35 nurses who met the inclusion criteria. The evaluation of three types of eye protection equipment (goggles, goggle-type face shield and face shield) was repeated in the same group on consecutive days. Results. The comparison of the problems related to the use of PPE indicated that the highest rate of fogging (91.4%) was observed in goggles (p < 0.001), and skin injuries (28.6%) were experienced in goggles and face shields (p = 0.002). It was observed that operating room nurses were most satisfied (7.2 ± 1.4) with goggle-type face shields and ranked them in first place (80%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion. According to the results of this research, it was found that the PPE for eye protection that was the least problematic, provided the most satisfaction and was ranked in first place during the pandemic was the goggle-type face shield.

Comparison of normal saline and antiseptic solution effect on the early peristomal infection rates of patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes: A randomized double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: This study's aim was to compare the efficacy of normal saline (NS) with that of antiseptic solution in early peristomal skin care after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in terms of peristomal infection incidence. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled double-blind study conducted at a university hospital between December 2019 and April 2021. All patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. The study population consisted of 64 patients randomized to group 1: NS (n = 31) and group 2: 0.1% polyhexamethylene biguanide and 0.1% betaine (PHMB-B; n = 33). Daily peristomal skin care was performed for 7 days, starting 24 h after insertion. Peristomal skin was evaluated by two blinded investigators before each dressing, and findings were recorded. Data analysis was performed with descriptive statistics; chi-square analysis; and exact, Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, and Cochran Q tests. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of peristomal infection rates (group 1: 12.9%, group 2: 9.07%; P > 0.05). Redness increased from day 4 in group 1 and day 5 in group 2, and exudate increased from day 5 in both groups. There is a statistical difference in the number of patients between the days when redness and exudate appear and increase. CONCLUSION: Both NS and PHMB-B solutions can be preferred in peristomal care. However, NS may be the first choice for early peristomal care that does not show signs of infection, because it is not irritating and allergic and is cost-effective.

Investigation of the relationship between social appearance anxiety and perceived social support in patients with burns.

INTRODUCTION: Since burns affect body image, they cause appearance anxiety. Interventions designed to reduce appearance anxiety that can cause psychological problems such as depression are important. This study aimed to determine the social appearance anxiety of individuals following burns and the factors affecting it and to examine the relationship between social appearance anxiety and perceived social support. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted between November 2018 and November 2019 with 106 adult patients with burns. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Shapiro-Wilk test, Independent Two Samples T-Test, One Way Analysis of Variance, Duncan's test, Pearson's correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, the Q-Q plot, and the Durbin-Watson statistics were used in data analysis. RESULTS: The social appearance anxiety scores were moderate (39.38 ± 17.71). Being single; having a high level of education; burns on the face, head, or neck; burn-related amputation; and passing the one-week after injury period were found to significantly increase social appearance anxiety (p < 0.05). Although the perceived social support scores of the individuals with burns were high (68.34 ± 18.08), they were found to have no correlation with social appearance anxiety (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that social support does not affect social appearance anxiety. In this respect, we recommend that interventions such as reconstruction and professional psychological support initiatives be prioritized for individuals with burn trauma who are evaluated to have high social appearance anxiety by the appearance anxiety scales.

The effect of fear of COVID-19 on perceived clinical stress levels in senior nursing students: A cross-sectional study.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of fear of COVID-19 on the perceived stress levels in senior nursing students performing their clinical practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with senior nursing students in a nursing facility in March 2021. The data were collected using an APP Application sent to the smartphones of students (n = 148) receiving clinical education. Results: With a mean score of 17.2 ± 7.0 on the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, it was determined that the senior nursing students' COVID-19 fears were at a moderate level. Students' mean score from the Perceived Stress Scale was 71.0 ± 25.7, which indicated a moderate level. A positive, weak, and significant correlation was found between the total scores of fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress level (r = 0.291, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, the perceived stress of students in their clinical practice was at a moderate level, as it was before the pandemic. It appears that a moderate level of fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic does not affect perceived stress levels in the clinical education setting. Accordingly, we recommend that clinical education should be maintained by taking necessary measures and implementing good management during the pandemic.