Development of the Perceptions About Infectious Diseases Scale.

Background and Purpose: When there is an infectious diseases, health behaviors demonstrated by individuals could have positive or negative effects on the spread of infectious diseases. Individuals' knowledge, beliefs, perceptions, emotions, attitudes, and behaviors about disease are formed according to their past and future experiences. Individuals' perceptions are considered to be important in terms of identifying their health behaviors. The purpose of the present study is to develop a measurement tool that identifies perceptions about infectious diseases. Methods: This study adopted a methodological design. It was conducted with the volunteer participation of 1,786 people who consisted of the staff and students of the university between June and September 2020. Results: The scale was found to consist of 34 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale and two factors. Cronbach's alpha value was found .98 for the scale. The correlation values showing the correlation of the items with the total scale score were found to be between .615 and .920. Conclusion: The scale that was developed in the present study was found to be a reliable and valid measurement tool.

The relationship of childhood trauma with cyberbullying and cyber victimization among university students.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of childhood trauma with cyberbullying and cyber victimization levels among health sciences and medical faculty students. METHOD: This study was conducted with 350 students studying at the health sciences and medical faculty of a university in Istanbul. The data were collected using an information form, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Cyber Bullying Scale, and the Cyber Victimization Scale. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between the childhood trauma and cyberbullying and cyber victimization levels of the students. A significant positive correlation was also found between cyber victimization and cyberbullying levels. CONCLUSION: Students at risk of cyber bullying and cyber victimization should be identified, and awareness and coping programs should be planned.

The effect of preventive psychosocial interventions directed towards mothers and children on children's knowledge about protection from sexual abuse.

PROBLEM: Sexual abuse is a multidimensional public health problem that concerns all communities. Primary-level preventive approaches in the fight against sexual abuse have an important place. However, research involving parents in sexual abuse prevention interventions with children is limited. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of preventive psychosocial interventions directed towards mothers and their children on children's knowledge about protection from sexual abuse. METHODS: The study has a quasi-experimental, comparative design with a control group and a pretest/posttest. The participants were assigned into four groups; namely, control, mother psychoeducation, child psychoeducation and mother-child psychoeducation. FINDINGS: Significant difference was determined within and between the groups in the mean scores of the Good Touch Bad Touch Curriculum test (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The preventive psychosocial intervention simplemented to mothers and their children increase children's knowledge about protection from sexual abuse.

The Prevalence of Pandemic Anxiety, Anxiety and Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey.

Background: This prevalence study involved participants from various cities in Turkey was conducted in April 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic in Turkey, with a view to evaluate the pandemic-related anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depression in the society. Method: The study was conducted with 1267 people in more than 70 cities in Turkey. The study data were obtained by means of online data collection forms, due to the risks posed by the contagious COVID-19 disease in face to face interviews. The Demographic Properties Form, the Utkan Pandemic Anxiety (UPA) scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (BDI-PC) were utilized as data collection tools. Results: The average value for the UPA scale for the sample was calculated as 10.5 ± 0.257 points, for the GAD-7 scale as 5.5 ± 0.153 points, and for the BDI-PC as 3.8 ± 0.095 points. The cut-off threshold for the UPA scale was exceeded by 34%, for the GAD-7 scale by 25.7%, and for the BDI-PC by 30.9% of the sample. Conclusion: It was concluded that the level of pandemic-related anxiety in the community was high, that the level of generalized anxiety and depression had increased in comparison to pre-pandemic times, and that women had a higher risk of pandemic-related anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depression, because they were a group at risk, and also due to the effect of media surveillance and reports.

The effect of psychoeducation given to psychiatry nurses on level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding physical restraint: A randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the effect of psychoeducation, given to nurses working in a psychiatry clinic, on level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding physical restraint. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was conducted with a randomized-controlled-study design. A total of 111 nurses were recruited and randomly assigned to experimental (n = 53) and control (n = 58) groups. The experimental group received psychoeducation, while no intervention was applied to the control group. This study was conducted in a psychiatric hospital located in the Eastern Anatolia of Turkey. A Descriptive Form and the Levels of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses Regarding Physical Restraints Questionnaire were used to collect data. FINDINGS: Statistically significant differences were found between the pretest and posttest total mean scores on the level of knowledge (P = .000), attitudes (P = .000), and practices (P = .000) of the nurses in the control group and the study group. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: An increase in the level of knowledge and positive improvement in attitudes and practices were observed in the nurses who received psychoeducation. Providing nurses with psychoeducation on physical restraint can positively contribute to improving their level of knowledge and to eliminating their negative attitudes and practices on this subject.

The Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Model-Based Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Self-Efficacy in Alcohol Use Disorder.

Exercise is constantly gaining attention as adjuvant treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), supplementing classical pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of cognitive-behavioral model-based (CBM-based) intervention on the depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy levels in AUD. This quasi-experimental study was conducted using pre- and posttests and repeated measurements with a control group; it was completed between February 2015 and August 2015 in Turkey. Participants were 41 individuals with AUD, 20 in the experimental group and 21 in the control group. The individuals in the experimental group performed aerobic exercise 3 days a week as well as attended the psychoeducation provided 1 day a week. The difference between mean scores of the individuals in the experimental and control groups taken in posttest and 4-month follow-up test in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) as well as the difference between mean posttest scores in the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Self-Efficacy Scale (SES) were found to be statistically significant ( p < .05). In the intragroup comparisons, a significant difference was found between the "BDI," "BAI," and "SES" measurement times ( p < .05). It was concluded that CBM-based intervention was effective in reducing depression and anxiety, increasing self-efficacy in individuals with AUD. Appropriate nurse-managed CBM-based intervention for individuals with AUD can promote their health.

Test of Mindfulness-Based Psychosocial Skills Training to Improve Insight and Functional Recovery in Schizophrenia.

This study was conducted with two groups (training and control) using a pretest/posttest design to determine the effect of mindfulness-based psychosocial skills training for improving insight and functional recovery levels in patients with schizophrenia. The study sample included 45 patients with schizophrenia (21 were in the training group/mindfulness-based psychosocial skills training and 24 were in the control group/standard drug medication). The data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Functional Remission of General Schizophrenia (FROGS) scale, and Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS). The training group was divided into two groups of 10 to 12 persons on average. Training was given as a group training for a total of 16 sessions, two sessions a week for 8 weeks. The training group scored significantly higher in functional recovery and insight levels than the control group after training ( p < .05). The study determined training has an effect on increasing the levels of insight and functional recovery in schizophrenia.

The Effect of the Cognitive-behavioral Model-based Psychoeducation and Exercise Intervention on Quality of Life in Alcohol Use Disorder.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the cognitive behavior model (CBM)-based psychoeducation and exercise intervention on quality of life (QoL) in alcohol use disorder (AUD). DESIGN: This study was a non-randomized controlled trial. METHODS: CBM-based psychoeducation and exercise intervention was applied to the experimental group four times a week for 6weeks; no intervention was applied to the control group. FINDINGS: No difference was seen between the points of pretest QoL of the experimental and control groups (p>0.05). However, according to the posttest, the experimental group's mean score of QoL was higher than the control groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was found that CBM-based psychoeducation and exercise intervention applied to individuals with AUD affected the QoL positively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CBM-based psychoeducation and exercise intervention can be used by nurses to improve AUD individuals' quality of life.

The effect of critical thinking education on nursing students' problem-solving skills.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of critical thinking education on nursing students' problem-solving skills. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study was conducted with 93 nursing students, 49 in the control group and 44 in the education group. The California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory and the Problem-solving Inventory were administered to them before and after 12 weeks of critical thinking education. RESULTS: The education group's mean critical thinking score was 253.61 on the pretest and 268.72 on the posttest. This increase was statistically significant (p < .001). The posttest mean score of the control group fell to 258.18 on the posttest after a pretest mean score of 260.79, and this difference was statistically significant (p < .001). According to the posttest results, the problem-solving skills of education group increased significantly (p < .001), while the control group's score fell significantly (p < .001). CONCLUSION: This study determined that critical thinking education improves problem-solving skills.

The Relationship Between Psychosocial Adjustment and Coping Strategies Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease with significant psychosocial adjustment challenges. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the psychosocial adjustment and coping strategies in patients with MS and to put forth the relationships between them. DESIGN: The sample group comprised 85 outpatients with MS who were admitted to the Neurology Clinic of a university hospital for treatment between October 2007 and July 2008. Data were acquired via an information form and the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale and Coping Strategy Indicator. RESULTS: It was determined that 55% of the patients had poor psychosocial adjustment levels. Statistically significant relationship was found between Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Self-Report and problem solving as well as seeking social support coping strategies ( p < .01). Psychosocial adjustment got worse with decreasing problem-solving and seeking-social support coping strategies of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The psychosocial adjustment to MS of patients is closely related with effective coping strategies. The results have emphasized the significant role of mental health and social services and coping strategies regarding the comprehensive care needs of these patients.

The Effect of Internalized Stigma on the Self Esteem in Patients with Schizophrenia.

AIM: This study has been conducted to determine the relationship between internalized stigma and self-esteem in patients with schizophrenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted using 60 patients with schizophrenia who were diagnosed as schizophrenic according to the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria in the psychiatric clinics of hospitals in Erzurum. The data were collected using the "Questionnaire on Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale" (ISMI) that determines the socio-demographic characteristics of patients, and the "Short Form of Self-Esteem Scale" (SF-SES). RESULTS: The mean Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale score was high; the mean of the positive dimension of the self-esteem scale score was lower than negative dimension. A negative significant relationship was found (r=-.758, p<0.01) between the ISMI and SF-SES when we examined the relationship between the mean scores of self-esteem and internalized stigma levels of the patients. There is a significantly positive relationship between the mean scores of the stigma resistance and SERS-SF (r=.339, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings show that the patients' self-esteem decreases with the increasing levels of internalized stigma. In particular, the high level of accepting stereotyped judgments and the low stigma resistance can be associated with low self-esteem. Based on these results, increasing psychoeducation and counseling services for patients with schizophrenia, and increasing the public awareness of this issue are recommended. Advanced quantitative studies should be conducted to determine the factors related to fighting stigma.

The Effect of Internalized Stigma on the Adherence to Treatment in Patients With Schizophrenia.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of internalized stigma on the adherence to the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The population of the study consisted of patients who were diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the DSM IV diagnostic criteria and compatible with the study criteria. The study was completed with 63 patients overall. The researcher used Demographics Questionnaire, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, Drug Attitude Inventory and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale to gather data. Among the patients, 11.1% adhered to the treatment, and 54.0% did not. The mean score for the internalized stigma level of patients was 76.39±14.30. A positive significant relationship was found among the scales (p<0.05). The level of internalized stigma of patients with schizophrenia was determined to be high, and the internalized stigma had a negative impact on the adherence and attitude toward the treatment.

The Effect of Assertiveness Training on the Mobbing That Nurses Experience.

This research was designed to determine the impact of assertiveness training on the mobbing experience of nurses. This study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, 218 nurses completed the mobbing scale; the education group consisted of 38 nurses who received a score at or above 204 points. A total of 180 nurses were excluded from the education group because they received less than 204 points. The study was conducted with 30 nurses because 8 nurses did not agree to participate in the study. The 30 nurses received the assertiveness training program. Six months after training, the nurses completed the mobbing scale and Rathus Assertiveness Inventory (RAI) again. The assertiveness training positively affected the assertiveness and mobbing scores (p = .000). After the training, the assertiveness scores increased and the mobbing condition score decreased (p < .01). Assertiveness training is an effective method for decreasing mobbing. In line with these results, training programs, which support nurses' personal development by providing counseling and support to nurse victims of mobbing, are recommended.

The relationship between meaning of illness, anxiety, depression, and quality of life for cancer patients.

The aim of this descriptive study was to determine the relationship between meaning of illness, anxiety, depression, and quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy. Inclusion of the study consists of 110 patients with cancer who applied to the inpatient unit of a medical oncology clinic from 01 December 2005 to 31 May 2006 to receive inpatient chemotherapy. The research sampling comprises of 110 patients who were hospitalized at the medical oncology clinic of the university hospital and who received chemotherapy for at least 6 months. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), Meaning of Illness Questionnaire (MIQ) and Quality of Life Scale were utilized to collect data. The results of the correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between meaning ofillness, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (p < 0.01). Positive meaning of the illness increases the quality of life score average and reduces anxiety and depression. The results indicated that meaning of illness affects anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Nurses should offer op- portunities for patients to search the positive meaning in the cancer illness.

Investigation of the effect of self-efficacy levels of caregiver family members of the individuals with schizophrenia on burden of care.

Sixty-two individuals with schizophrenia and their families were part of a descriptive study that investigated the effect of self-efficacy levels on the burden of care, using family member caregivers of schizophrenia patients. Data were collected using a questionnaire on the descriptive characteristics of patients and their families, the Self-Efficacy Scale, and Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. The results for caregivers indicated a total mean self-efficacy score of 76.4±17.76 and a total mean of burden of care score of 68.64±18.60. A negative significant relation was discovered by looking at the correlation between the total mean scores (r=-.260, p<0.05). These results indicate that the burden of care decreases with the increasing level of self-efficacy in caregiver family members.

Quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis in Turkey: relationship to depression and fatigue.

The purposes of this study were to assess the self-reported quality of life (QOL) in a group of Turkish patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to analyze whether the QOL was associated with fatigue and depression. The study used a descriptive design. A number of evaluation scales were administered to a study sample comprising 47 outpatients. The Short Form 36 for QOL, the Beck Depression Inventory for Depression, and the Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue were used. The mean score for general QOL was 34.8 and indicated low QOL in MS patients. The results of our study have also shown that fatigue and depression strongly influence QOL in Turkish MS patients. Our findings may have important implications for the overall care of MS patients. The QOL of MS patients was affected negatively. Both fatigue and depression are common and treatable manifestations of MS, and these symptoms should be screened carefully in all MS patients. Care of MS patients requires the collaboration of all team members. Nurses have a key role as part of this team through the continuity of the care they provide and interaction with patients. Awareness of depression and fatigue can contribute to the nurses' ability to provide psychological support and enhance the QOL in MS patients.

Women's marital adjustment and hopelessness levels after mastectomy.

AIM: This descriptive study aims to determine the marital adjustment and hopelessness level of breast cancer in women who had a mastectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in Ondokuz Mayis University, Medical Faculty's chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical clinics. A sample of 59 subjects were included in the study. A descriptive questionnaire, the dyadic adjustment scale, and Beck's hopelessness scale were used to collect the data. RESULTS: 38.3% of women stated that, they believed the operation would not affect their marriages while 34% of them stated that, they believed the operation would affect negatively their marriages. The hopelessness score for these women was average at 5.02+/-4.82. Marital adjustment was also average, with a score of 102.79+/-24.68. No relationship was found between marital adjustment and hopelessness in the sample (r=-0.021, p=0.875). However, it was found that the status of hopelessness as perceived by women before the mastectomy affected marital adjustment (p<0.05) but this was not linked with hopelessness after the mastectomy (p>0.05). Age, education, place of living and marital relationship status were not linked with hopelessness and marital adjustment after the mastectomy. The marital adjustment of the women who did not feel hopeless was found to be higher than those who were feeling hopelessness. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that hopelessness levels in women with a mastectomy are low and their marital adjustment level at a medium level. However, some women with mastectomy, particularly those who feel hopelessness and have weak family relationships may need more support to cope with this experience.

Defining cultural diversities experienced in patient care by nursing students in eastern Turkey.

The aim of this study was to determine the cultural diversities that nursing students experience between the patients and themselves while providing care to patients and to find the effects of the demographic variables of the students on these diversities. This research was a cross-sectional study and was conducted between January 2004 and April 2004 at the Nursing College of Atatürk University, in the provincial capital of Erzurum in Eastern Turkey. The research involved 330 students attending the first, second, third, and fourth year courses in the Nursing College at Atatürk University. No special selection was made in the population of the study; instead, 263 full time students who volunteered were included in the study. Sixty eight percentage (n = 181) of the students were determined to have experienced cultural diversities in patient care. The students who experienced cultural diversity in patient care were found to have experienced these diversities in communicating with the patients (44.2%), in religious beliefs (6.1%), and in the life style (8.8%). In general, it was observed that nursing students coming from regions other than Erzurum and Eastern Anatolia and being at the beginning stage of their studies experienced more cultural diversities while caring for patients.