The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the postdialysis fatigue scale.

AIM: Haemodialysis (HD) commonly leads to postdialysis fatigue (PDF) and, thus, worsens the quality of life and the clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to translate, linguistically validate and determine the psychometric properties of the "Postdialysis Fatigue" Scale for Turkish patients with HD. STUDY DESIGN: A methodological study. METHODS: The standard lingual translation and validation methods for the initial translation of the PDF Scale and then assessed the psychometric properties of reliability and validity of the translated scale. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Piper Fatigue Scale were used to assess concurrent and construct validity. In addition, postdialysis recovery time was used it as an indirect measurement method for PDF. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients participated in the study. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of PDF was 0.773. There was a statistically significant relationship between the test and retest scores (ICC: 0.973; P < .001). PDF Scale was acceptable with 11 items. There was a positive correlation with a statistically significant relationship was present between the PDF scores and Piper Fatigue Scale (r = .488; P < .001) and VAS score (r = .656; P < .001). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the PDF Scale and the postdialysis recovery time (r = .270; P = .009), CONCLUSION: The study results have shown that the Turkish form of the PDF Scale is a valid and reliable tool in patients undergoing HD treatment. Postdialysis recovery time may be used as an indirect measurement method to evaluate PDF.

The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Shortened Xerostomia Inventory in hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to translate, linguistically validate, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI) among Turkish patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: The study was conducted with 81 chronic HD patients in the HD units of two state hospitals between June and August 2020. Explanatory factor analysis was implemented to test the construct validity. In addition, the test-retest method was performed to test the reliability and consistency of the scale over time. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients participated in the study. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of SXI was 0.788. The mean values for the test were 12.84 ± 6.78 and re-test scores was 11.03 ± 6.88. Intraclass correlation coefficient value calculated as 0.992 and accordingly a statistically significant relationship between the test and retest scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the SXI is a valid and reliable measurement tool for Turkish HD patients.

Assessment of Medication Adherence and Related Factors in Hypertensive Patients: The Role of Beliefs About Medicines.

Low medication adherence is one of the leading causes that affect the achievement of target levels for hypertension. Identifying modifiable factors associated with low adherence is crucial. This study aims to assess medication adherence and the role of beliefs about medicines on medication adherence among hypertensive patients.This cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 hypertension patients.Data were collected using the Morisky-Green-Levine Medication Adherence Scale, and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire [BMQ-Turkish Translation (BMQ-T)]. It was found that the BMQ-T subscales of Specific Concern (ß = 0.358, p = .027) and General Overuse (ß = 0.552, p = .011) had an independent predictor effect on medication adherence scores. In this study, the patients who thought that drugs were overused and had concerns about this were seen to be less adherent with the medication. With regard to patients who use antihypertensive drugs but have uncontrolled blood pressure, their beliefs about drugs should not be ignored when evaluating adherence with drug therapy.

Health literacy of nursing students and its effective factors.

BACKGROUND: The insufficiency of health literacy negatively affects the national economy as it leads to increased health service expenditure. It is very important for individuals to have accurate health-related information to reduce these negative effects. AIM: The aim of the study is to examine the health literacy of nursing students and its effective factors. METHODS: This descriptive study was carried out with students from the nursing department of a vocational school of health sciences between September and October 2018 in Turkey. A semi-structured questionnaire regarding the descriptive features of the participants and the European Health Literacy Scale were used for data collection. RESULTS: The study included 283 nursing students; 29.3% had a problematic-limited health literacy level. The study found a statically significant difference between student year, high school graduation and family's income level and the total mean score of the HLS-EU scale. CONCLUSION: The subject of health literacy should be integrated into the educational program of nursing students. The nurses are the most important workforce in health services, and awareness about this subject should be raised.

Home nursing care with the self-care model improves self-efficacy of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AIM: This study was carried out as an intervention study to determine the effect of nursing care provided at home with the self-care model on the self-efficacy of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in northern Turkey. METHODS: The study sample totaled 106 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease divided into two groups. The intervention group and the control group each included 53 patients. To collect data, the patient data sheet, Orem's self-care model-based data collection form, symptom evaluation form, Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, and the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self-efficacy scale (CSES) were used. The nursing care applied for the intervention group consisted of four visits, two during the first month and two for the next 2 months. An educational guidebook was distributed to the intervention group during the first visit, and at all visits, education, care, and supervision were provided according to the care plan. All data were analyzed with the number, percentage, χ(2) -test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The dyspnea level measured at the last visit for the control group was high compared with the intervention group (P < 0.05). The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self-efficacy scale scores for subscale dimensions at the last visit and the general score for the intervention group were high compared with the first visit scores (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the study results, home nursing care based on the Orem's self-care model is effective in improving self-efficacy of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.