Opinions of male nursing students about violence against women: A qualitative study.

AIM: This study aims to explore the opinions of male nursing students on violence against women in Turkey. INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of violence against women in the world is increasing every passing day. Although women try to deal with the changes their lives bring along, they are faced with physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence for various reasons at the same time. BACKGROUND: Inclusion of men in studies can have a strong impact on how strategies are developed and implemented. Tackling the issue of violence against women requires active engagement of men and, therefore, knowing the knowledge, attitudes, and understanding of male nursing students is important. METHODS: In this qualitative study, 18 male nursing students participated. The participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected through individual semi structured interviews. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method designed by Clarke and Braun. FINDINGS: The findings of the study are presented in seven themes and these are definition of violence, causes of violence, reactions to witnessing violence, impacts of violence on society, solutions to violence, efforts regarding violence in Turkey, and being a male nurse. Among the striking results of the study were that students considered violence with its many dimensions, that they stated that violence could be prevented, that they found that efforts regarding the issue were insufficient in Turkey, and that they stated that important responsibilities for preventing violence against women lay with nurses. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Students considered violence and its various dimensions. They felt that violence could be prevented, that the efforts regarding the issue were insufficient in Turkey, and that important responsibilities for preventing violence against women lay with nurses. The views of male nursing students on violence against women are promising as it encourages the empowerment of future nurse professionals, who are expected to be the pioneers of necessary changes in the field of health in order to defend women.

Adolescent marriage and motherhood in Turkey: A qualitative study exploring determinants, impacts and opinions about preventive strategies.

AIM: This study aimed to understand the determinants of child marriages, becoming a child mother, their impacts and opinions about preventive strategies. DESIGN: The phenomenological research approach was adopted with one-to-one semi-structured interviews between December 2017 and May 2018. METHODS: The population of the study consisted of 36 adolescent married mothers registered in the Family Health Centres. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and evaluated based on a thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: In the study, four main themes and 12 subthemes were determined. Adolescent marriages determinants occurred as patriarchal cultural norms, the perception that girls would be safe under the protection of another man, and poverty. Adolescent brides experienced partner violence and were subjected to physical, psychological and sexual violence in their marriage. Adolescent mothers had low maternal self-confidence, childcare challenges and were late to take on childcare responsibilities, and their children were neglected. As a result of early marriage, the participants experienced psychological problems and burnout later in their lives. Improving family-child communication, and eliminating financial inadequacies were among the opinions on prevention strategies of child marriages. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study identified the determinants and impact of adolescent marriages and revealed the problems experienced by adolescent brides and mothers. IMPACT: The most important contribution of this study is that it deals with the motherhood experiences. In addition, it is one of the important findings of this study that it draws attention to their neglected children's due to lack of knowledge and experience of their mothers about childcare.

The relationship between personality traits, menopausal symptoms, and marital adjustment.

This study was aimed at determining the relationship between personality traits, menopausal symptoms and marital adjustment in postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 599 postmenopausal women who presented to the family health centers between September 2018 and February 2019. Data were collected with the Personal Information Form, Marital Adjustment Test, Cervantes Personality Scale and Menopause Rating Scale. The mean marital adjustment score of the postmenopausal women was 44.03 ± 10.75. The correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations between marital adjustment, and personality traits and menopausal symptoms. Education level, economic status, duration of menopause, neurotic and inconsistent personality traits, somatic, psychological and urogenital symptoms were determined to be statistically significant predictive factors of marital adjustment in postmenopausal women.

The effect of vitamin D and exercise on balance and fall risk in postmenopausal women: A randomised controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of vitamin D and exercise on balance, fall risk and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: In this prospective, randomised, controlled, single-blind study postmenopausal women aged 50-70 years were included. Participants with <25nmol/L 25(OH) vitamin D were randomised to three groups: group-I (vitamin D replacement) (n = 21), group-II (core and balance exercises) (n = 18), and group-III (vitamin D replacement plus core and balance exercises) (n = 20). The participants with >75nmol/L 25(OH) vitamin D (group-IV) (n = 40) were designated as control group and received the core and balance exercises. The participants were evaluated before and after 8 weeks with Berg balance test and Biodex balance system (postural stability and fall risk tests) for balance and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) for QoL. RESULTS: Group IV had better baseline BBT, NHP pain, NHP emotional reactions, NHP social isolation subdomain and total score. After treatment, all groups showed significant improvement in balance (except group I, mediolateral stability index) and QoL (except group II). There was no significant difference between groups (I, II and III) after intervention. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D replacement therapy has positive effects on balance and QoL. Core strengthening and balance exercises are essential for better balance and fall prevention in postmenopausal women. Any superior effect of vitamin D or exercise on each other was not determined.

Prenatal distress levels of pregnant women in Turkey and affecting factors: a multicentre study.

This study was conducted to determine prenatal distress levels of pregnant women from seven provinces of Turkey and factors affecting prenatal distress levels. The multicentre descriptive study included 2365 pregnant women who were in the twentieth gestational week and above. The data were collected using the pregnancy information form, prenatal distress questionnaire and spousal support scale. Descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, ANOVA and logistic regression were used to evaluate the data. The results of this study demonstrated that pregnant women's prenatal distress levels are affected by such factors as the region lived in, lack of spousal support and being a primary school graduate. Nurses should develop intervention strategies that involve the pregnant woman's spouse to reduce prenatal distress and the factors affecting prenatal distress.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Prenatal distress can have significant effects on pregnancy, maternal health and human development across the lifespan.What the results of this study add? Spousal support could also have an effect on the psychological health of mothers.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Nurses and midwives monitor the pregnant women, and therefore, they should evaluate the prenatal distress levels in the prenatal period, plan intervention strategies for pregnant women with high stress levels and include the pregnant women's spouses in these intervention strategies.

Determination of Dyadic Adjustment, Happiness and Related Factors in Married Turkish Women Living in Anatolia.

Nowadays, divorce rate increases rapidly; therefore evaluation, of dyadic adjustment and happiness at marriage gains importance. In the study, 910 women were reached and 772 married women agreed to participate in the study. Women have a mild level for dyadic adjustment and happiness with spouses. Sociodemographic factors such as income status, age, age at first marriage, the number of children, duration of marriage, woman's and her husband's education level and type of marriage affect dyadic adjustment and relationship happiness. It is recommended that within the scope of primary healthcare, women should be followed in terms of dyadic adjustment and factors affecting dyadic adjustment, happiness and that couples who are at risk should be provided counseling services.

Suprascapular nerve block in hemiplegic shoulder pain: comparison of the effectiveness of placebo, local anesthetic, and corticosteroid injections-a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is a common complication of hemiplegic patients that can interrupt their rehabilitation program and is associated with poorer outcomes. The usefulness of the suprascapular nerve block. (SSNB) in the stroke population has been suggested, but some concerns still remain. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of SSNB on pain intensity and passive range ofmotion (PROM) in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, double blind, randomized controlled trial was conductedin 34 stroke patients with HSP. They were randomly divided into three groups: Localanesthetic (LA) injection into the trapezius muscle (placebo group), LA injection into thesuprascapular notch, and LA and corticosteroid (CS) injections into the suprascapularnotch.The main outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) scores evaluated before andafter administration of the injection at 1 hour, 1 week, and 1 month. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in the VAS scores with all three injections at all follow-up time points (p: 0.001 for the placebo group, p <0.001 for the LA group, and p <0.001 for the LA+CS group). When changes in VAS scores were compared between the groups, the LA+CS group demonstrated a higher decrease in VAS than the placebo group. Improvement in the PROM was seen only in the LA and LA+CS groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study support the use of an SSNB with or without CS, to increase the range of motion in the affected shoulder, especially during the rehabilitation period.

Use of Shear Wave Elastography for Quantitative Assessment of Muscle Stiffness After Botulinum Toxin Injection in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the stiffness of the gastrocnemius (GC) muscle with acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography after botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injection in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and to examine the relationship between elastographic and clinical parameters. METHODS: This prospective randomized single-blind controlled clinical study included 49 lower extremities of 33 children with spastic CP. They were randomized into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 25 extremities in 17 children) received BTX-A injection and a home-based exercise program; group 2 (n = 24 extremities in 16 children) received only a home-based exercise program. Patients were evaluated in pretreatment and posttreatment periods in the first and third months with ARFI elastography, the Modified Ashworth Scale, Modified Tardieu Scale, Pediatric Functional Independence Measure, Gross Motor Function Classification System, and goniometric range of motion measurement of the ankle. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in elastography of the GC muscle in group 1 only at the first month after treatment (P < .05). No statistical difference was found in elastography of the GC after treatment in group 2. According to the Modified Ashworth Scale, Modified Tardieu Scale, and ankle passive range of motion, group 1 showed significant improvements after treatment (P < .05). Also, there was a significant correlation between these clinical parameters and elastographic measurements (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, the measurements from ARFI elastography combined with clinical parameters might be useful for evaluation of spasticity after BTX-A treatment in children with CP. Also, they might be useful in distinguishing patients who will benefit clinically, especially in the early stages of treatment.

Is there a relationship between basic birth beliefs and pregnancy-related anxiety in Turkey.

AIM: It is important to investigate the relationship between the beliefs about birth as a natural or medical process and the pregnancy-related anxiety that has a powerful impact on the negative outcomes of labor. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between basic birth beliefs and pregnancy-related anxiety in Turkey. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted in a University hospital located in eastern Turkey. The study sample included 473 primiparae having completed 14 weeks of pregnancy. The Birth Belief Scale and Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire/PRAQ-R2 were used to collect the data. RESULTS: A relationship was found between birth beliefs and pregnancy-related anxiety. Strong beliefs about birth as a medical process or weak beliefs about birth as a natural process were found to be related with fear of giving birth and worries about bearing a handicapped child. CONCLUSION: A relationship was detected between beliefs of pregnant women about birth as a medical and natural process and fear of giving birth, worries about bearing a handicapped child., concern about own appearance. It is highly important to detect the birth beliefs in order to help women have a healthy pregnancy period and to decrease their anxiety levels. Pregnancy-related anxieties of women must be detected, and their birth beliefs that result in anxiety must not be overlooked during the provision of prenatal healthcare services.

Comparison of Ultrasonography and Short-Segment Nerve Conduction Study in Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between ultrasonographic and electrodiagnostic findings to determine the localization of the ulnar trapping at the elbow. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and noninterventional trial. SETTING: Physical medicine and rehabilitation department of a teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=14) diagnosed with ulnar nerve entrapment using short-segment nerve conduction study. INTERVENTIONS: The elbow area was divided into 4 segments with 2-cm intervals. All patients underwent ultrasonographic and electrodiagnostic examinations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of each segment was measured. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve was measured at 5 levels. The proximal CSA/distal CSA ratio (PDR) was calculated by proportioning the CSA values for each segment. The highest PDR was accepted as a trapping segment, whereas the segment with the lowest NCV was accepted electrophysiologically (provided it was <50m/s). RESULTS: A total of 80 PDR and NCV measurements were taken from 20 elbows. A statistically significant negative correlation (r=-.554; P<.001) was found between general PDR and NCV values. When we assumed that the NCV value <50m/s as the criterion standard for diagnosis, the cutoff value for the PDR was found to be 1.08, with a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 92.5%. The minimum NCV value and the maximum PDR value were mostly seen in the third segment compatible with the cubital tunnel. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography seems to be advantageous because it is more comfortable for the patient and requires shorter time than does electroneuromyography. To our knowledge, this is the first study to detect ulnar nerve entrapment by using not only CSA but also PDR as a ratio method with ultrasound.

Sexual Dysfunction in Postpartum Turkish Women: It's Relationship with Depression and Some Risk Factors.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in postpartum Turkish women, and the relation between sexual dysfunction and depression, and some risk factors. This study was conducted with 530 postpartum women who had given birth during the previous 2-12 months. Data were collected with the Personal Information Form, Index of Female Sexual Function, and Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale. For the data analysis, descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted using SPSS version 16. In the study, 74.3% of the postpartum women experienced sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction was more prevalent in women who were high school graduates, whose reported economic status was middle class, who had a history of high-risk pregnancy, and whose menstruations did not recommence. It was also prevalent in women who experienced dyspareunia, who did not use a family planning method, who used withdrawal family planning method, and who experienced postnatal depression. A medium correlation was determined between the sexual dysfunction and postnatal depression. Assessment of the sexual dysfunction prevalence and risk factors of postpartum women enables healthcare professionals to use necessary intervention strategies.

Bone mineral density in pediatric patients with meningomyelocele.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the bone mineral density (BMD) and the factors leading to reduction in BMD in children diagnosed with meningomyelocele. METHODS: A total of 31 patients with meningomyelocele (mean (SD) age, 8.5 (3.9) years; 51.6%were females) and 22 healthy children were included. BMD of femoral neck and spinal L1­ L4 levels and markers for bone metabolism were recorded. RESULTS: BMD of femoral neck (p=0.001) and spinal L1­L4 (p = 0.01), serum calcium (p = 0.031), and urinary deoxypyridinoline (p=0.015) levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls. Mobilization was significantly reduced in lumbar (p=0.001) and thoracic (p=0.002) level meningomyelocele compared to controls, while a significant positive correlation was noted between BMD of spinal L1­L4 and mobility (r=0.58, p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a decrease in BMD in meningomyelocele patients being associated with osteoporosis rather than nutritional and hormonal factors and the negative impact of higher levels of lesion on the mobility.

Comparison of body composition, nutritional status, functional status, and quality of life between osteoporotic and osteopenic postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis is a condition that affects body composition, physical activity, and psychological state. We aimed to examine the differences between osteoporotic and osteopenic postmenopausal women with respect to body composition, nutrition, functional status, and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 osteopenic (Group 1) and 100 osteoporotic (Group 2) patients were enrolled in the study. Bone mineral density (BMD), fat tissue mass (FTM), lean tissue mass (LTM), and bone mineral content (BMC) were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorbtiometry. Nutritional status of the patients was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), functional status with the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale, and quality of life with the assessment of health-related quality of life in osteoporosis (ECOS-16). RESULTS: Group 2 had significantly lower FTM, LTM, and MNA scores than Group 1 (P<0.05). NEADL and ECOS-16 scores did not differ between the groups (P>0.05). A significant correlation was found between MNA and FTM, LTM, BMC, and BMD (P<0.05). Whereas the assessment of functional status showed a significant positive correlation with BMD and a significant negative correlation with age (P<0.05), no significant correlation was found between functional status and body composition (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found lower FTM and LTM values and a poorer nutritional status in osteoporotic patients than in osteopenic ones. Nutritional status was correlated with body composition and BMD, and functional status was correlated with age and BMD.

How much does clinical prediagnosis correlate with electrophysiological findings?: a retrospective study.

Background: Electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) is important in the diagnosis and follow-up of neuropathic and myopathic diseases. This study aimed to demonstrate the compatibility between clinical prediagnosis and electrophysiological findings. Methods: EDX results from 2004 to 2020 at the physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) clinic were screened. Tests with missing data, reevaluation studies, and cases of peripheral facial paralysis were excluded. The clinical prediagnosis and EDX results were recorded, and their compatibility was evaluated. Results: A total of 2,153 tests were included in this study. The mean age was 49.0±13.9 years and 1,533 of them (71.2%) were female. The most frequently referred clinic was the PM&R clinic (90.0%). Numbness (73.6%) was the most common complaint, followed by pain (15.3%) and weakness (13.9%). The most common prediagnosis was entrapment neuropathy (55.3%), radiculopathy (16.1%), and polyneuropathy (15.7%). Carpal tunnel syndrome was the most frequently identified type of entrapment neuropathy (78.3%). Six hundred and seventy EDX results (31.1%) were within normal limits. While the EDX results were consistent with the prediagnosis in 1,328 patients (61.7%), a pathology different from the prediagnosis was detected in 155 patients (7.2%). In the discrepancy group, the most common pathologies were entrapment neuropathy (51.7%), polyneuropathy (17.3%), and radiculopathy (15.1%). The most common neuropathy type was carpal tunnel syndrome (79.3%). Conclusion: After adequate anamnesis and physical and neurological examinations, requesting further appropriate tests will increase the prediagnosis accuracy and prevent unnecessary expenditure of time and labor.

The Impact of Combination of Aerobic and Resistive Exercise on Activities of Daily Living and Risk of Fall in Osteosarcopenic Patients.

Objectives: It is aimed to explain the impact of the combination of aerobic and resistive exercise on activities of daily living and the risk of falls in osteosarcopenic patients. Methods: Female and male patients over 70 years of age followed up from the osteoporosis outpatient clinic were screened. Appropriate patients were evaluated for sarcopenia gait speed, grip strength and skeletal muscle mass. Patients with sarcopenia who did not have the exclusion criteria were included in the 3-month aerobic and resistive exercise program. Changes in skeletal muscle mass measurements, physical performance and balance tests were evaluated at 1 month and 3 months. Results: Sarcopenia was screened in 91 patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Sarcopenia was detected in 27 patients and 23 completed the 3-month study. The mean age of the patients was 78.4±5.7 years and the number of female patients was 16 (69.6%). There was no significant change in skeletal muscle mass measurements and Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale performed at 1 and 3 months (p>0.05). Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and Berg Balance Test (BBT) were found to improve significantly in the first month, and it continued to develop in the third month (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although the combination of aerobic and resistive exercise in osteosarcopenic patients did not lead to a significant increase in skeletal muscle mass, It has a significant effect on physical performance and balance. It can be foreseen that this will increase the independence of the person while reducing the risk of falling.

Effects of isotonic and isometric hand exercises on pain, hand functions, dexterity and quality of life in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

The primary objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of 6-week-long isotonic and isometric hand exercises on pain, hand functions, dexterity and quality of life in women diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our secondary objective was to assess the changes in handgrip strength and disease activity. This randomized, parallel, single-blinded 6-week intervention study enrolled 52 female patients between 40 and 70 years of age, who were diagnosed with RA according to American College of Rheumatology criteria, had disease duration of at least 1 year and had a stage 1-3 disease according to Steinbrocker's functional evaluation scale. Patients were randomized into isotonics and isometrics groups. Exercises were performed on sixth week. All patients were applied wax therapy in the first 2 weeks. Their pain was assessed with visual analog scale (VAS), their hand functions with Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), dexterity with nine hole peg test (NHPT) and quality of life with Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life questionnaire (RAQoL). Dominant and non-dominant handgrip strengths (HS) were measured. Disease activity was determined by disease activity score (DAS 28). We evaluated the difference in the above parameters between baseline and 6 weeks by Wilcoxon paired t test. The study was completed with 47 patients (isotonics n = 23; isometrics n = 24). VAS, DHI, NHPT, and RAQoL scores significantly improved in both groups by the end of 6th week compared to the baseline scores of the study (for isotonics p = 0.036, p = 0.002; p = 0.0001, p = 0.003; for isometrics p = 0.021, p = 0.002, p = 0.005, p = 0.01, respectively). DAS 28 scores decreased in both exercise groups (p = 0.002; p = 0.0001, respectively), while isometrics showed a significant increase in dominant HS (p = 0.029), and isotonics showed a significant increase in non-dominant HS (p = 0.013). This study showed that isometric and isotonic hand exercises decrease pain and disease activity and improve hand functions, dexterity and quality of life as well as mildly increasing muscle strength in patients diagnosed as RA.

Effects of music therapy and guided visual imagery on chemotherapy-induced anxiety and nausea-vomiting.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To reveal the effects of music therapy and visual imagery on chemotherapy-induced anxiety and nausea-vomiting. BACKGROUND: Behavioural techniques such as music therapy and visual imagery are becoming increasingly important in dealing with chemotherapy-induced anxiety, nausea and vomiting. DESIGN: The study is an experimental and cross-sectional one and performed on a single sample group with the pre-post-test design consisting of 40 individuals. The individuals in the sample group comprised both the control and the case group of the study. METHODS: To obtain the study data, the following forms were used: the Personal Information Form, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, The Visual Analogue Scale and Individual Evaluation Form for Nausea and Vomiting adapted from The Morrow Assessment of Nausea and Vomiting. RESULTS: In the study, the participants' state and trait anxiety levels decreased significantly (p < 0·05). Music therapy and visual imagery reduced the severity and duration of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting significantly (p < 0·05). In our research, 40% of the patients did not have anticipatory nausea and 55% of the patients did not have anticipatory vomiting during the third chemotherapy cycle during which music therapy and guided visual imagery were implemented. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that complementary approaches comprising music therapy and visual imagery had positive effects on chemotherapy-induced anxiety, nausea and vomiting, which are suffered too often and affect the patients' whole lives adversely. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study is worthy of interest as it has revealed that music therapy and visual imagery which have been proven to be effective in many health problems in different areas are also important, and practical complementary approaches that are effective in getting chemotherapy-induced anxiety, nausea and vomiting under control.

Effects of Aerobic and Resistive Exercise on Muscle Measurements and Body Composition in Female Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to show the effects of different exercise types on disease activity, pain, functional status, and quality of life in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis with low disease activity or in remission and supported these findings with body composition and muscle measurements. DESIGN: This randomized controlled prospective study screened female patients aged 20-50 years with rheumatoid arthritis. The patients were randomized into 12-wk resistance exercise, aerobic exercise, and control groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the 66 patients was 42.5 ± 5.6 yrs. In the resistance and aerobic exercise groups compared with the control group, a positive significant difference was found in the pain, disease activity, several subparameters of quality of life, M. gastrocnemius, and M. biceps femoris muscle thickness measurements, and fat mass in the lower limbs before and after treatment ( P < 0.05). Compared with the other groups, the resistance exercise group showed a significant improvement in M. rectus femoris and M. vastus intermedius muscle thickness measurements, whole body fat mass, whole body and lower extremity lean body mass, and timed up and go test when comparing before and after treatment ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In rheumatoid arthritis patients, resistance exercises led to a significant increase in muscle thickness, functional status, lean body mass compared with other exercises; resistance exercises also resulted in a significant reduction in pain and disease activity.

Does Dry Needling Increase the Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Injection in the Management of Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Introduction: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the antispastic efficacy of dry needling in combination with botulinum toxin-A injections. Methods: Thirty stroke patients with elbow flexor spasticity were randomised into two groups; the patients treated with botulinum toxin-A injections and exercise into the BTX-A group, and patients treated with botulinum toxin-A injections, exercise, and dry needling in the BTX-A+Dry needling group. Spasticity was evaluated using the modified Ashworth scale and modified Tardieu scale before treatment, immediately after treatment, the third day after treatment, second week after treatment and at the third month after treatment. The upper extremity motor function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity motor function scale. Results: A statistically significant difference in all parameters was found after treatment in both groups compared to before treatment (p<0.05). In all evaluation parameters immediately after treatment, on the third day after treatment, the second week after treatment and the third month after treatment, a statistically significant difference in favour of the BTX-A+Dry needling group was achieved compared to before treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dry needling combined with botulinum toxin-A injections performed over a total of four sessions with three-day intervals, contribute to the antispastic effect. Also combined therapy is more effective and provides longer-lasting results.

Relationships between leadership orientations and emotional intelligence in nursing students.

PURPOSE: To describe the relationship between leadership orientation and emotional intelligence levels of nursing students. METHOD: The study is a cross-sectional and descriptive correlational study. RESULTS: This study was carried out with 320 nursing students. There was a positive relationship between the mean scores for the Leadership Orientations subdimensions and the mean scores for the overall Emotional Intelligence Evaluation Scale and its subdimensions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: More studies are needed to examine the relationship between students' emotional intelligence and leadership orientations.