The effect of fathers' birth attendance on paternal attachment and the perception of parental role: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Fathers' birth attendance is associated with support for mothers in infant care, positive child health outcomes, and parental well-being. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted in a randomised controlled experimental design to investigate the effect of fathers' birth attendance on paternal-infant attachment and the perception of parental role. METHODOLOGY: Pregnant women during the childbirth process and their husbands were included in the study and were randomised according to fathers' birth attendance. The data were collected with the Information Form (IF), Paternal Antenatal Attachment Questionnaire (PAAQ), Self-Perception of Parental Role Scale (SPPRS), Postnatal Paternal-Infant Attachment Questionnaire (PPAQ), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The IF data were obtained from women before birth, and the EPDS data were obtained from women 15 days after birth. RESULTS: Individual characteristics of mothers and fathers in the groups, and prenatal PAAQ and SPPRS scores of the fathers were similar (p > 0.05). In the postnatal period, a significant difference was found in favour of the intervention group in the PPAQ total (p < 0.01), Patience and Tolerance (p < 0.05) and Pleasure in Interaction (p < 0.01) sub-dimensions. The within-group variation of the SPPRS scores of fathers in the intervention and control groups was analysed. The postnatal Competence (p < 0.01) and Integration (p < 0.05) sub-dimension scores statistically significantly increased in both the intervention and control groups compared to the antenatal period. CONCLUSION: While husbands' accompanying their wives in the delivery room positively affects paternal-infant attachment, its effect on the perception of parental role is an issue that needs to be further investigated.

The effects of noise levels on nurses in intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care units (ICUs) are noisy environments, which may have negative psychological effects on nurses. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of the noise level of ICUs on nurses' burnout, job satisfaction, anxiety, psychological symptoms and general psychopathology level. DESIGN: A descriptive and correlational study. METHODS: The study was conducted with 150 intensive care nurses. A Type 2250-L Brüel & Kjaer hand-held sound level meter was used for noise measurement. A Nurse Information Form, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Minnesora Satisfaction Questionnaire, Self-Report Inventory and Symptom Checklist-90 Revised were used for data collection. RESULTS: The highest levels of noise (71 dB(A) and above) were measured in the neonatal, neurology and cardiovascular surgery ICUs. It was observed that noise level affected extrinsic satisfaction (F = 3·704; p = 0·027) and trait anxiety (F = 3·868; p = 0·023) of nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Noise levels in ICUs are well above the recommended levels, and this affects nurses' job satisfaction and anxiety levels. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: More studies on the effects of noise levels on the physical and mental states of nurses working in ICUs are needed. Increased quality of patient care can be achieved by providing healthy working conditions for nurses working in special units such as ICUs.

The Effect of Neiguan Point (P6) Acupressure With Wristband on Postoperative Nausea, Vomiting, and Comfort Level: A Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: To determine how usage of wristband acupressure at pericardium 6 (P6) Neiguan point application affects nausea, vomiting, and comfort level in the postoperative period. DESIGN: A randomized controlled experimental study. METHODS: The study was implemented at an obstetrics hospital. The study was conducted on 97 patients (47 experimental and 50 control subjects) who underwent gynecologic surgery other than caesarian section. In the experimental group, wristband acupressure was applied during the first 12 hours after operation. The control group received antiemetics during and after operation. FINDINGS: Although P6 acupressure application was effective at preventing vomiting, its effect on nausea intensity was even better. Also, the P6 acupressure application enhanced patient comfort. CONCLUSIONS: Because of its effectiveness and feasibility, wristband P6 acupuncture point acupressure application is a great alternative to pharmacologic methods in the gynecologic surgery population.

Personal and professional values held by baccalaureate nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Values are ideals and beliefs that individuals and groups uphold and lie at the core of the diverse world of human behaviour and are expressed in every human decision and action, both consciously and unconsciously. They represent basic beliefs of what is right, good or desirable and motivate both personal and professional behaviour. In the context of nursing profession, values are essential in order to maintain high standards of the nursing care. OBJECTIVES: This study was planned to examine changes in nursing students' personal and professional values between entering and graduating from an undergraduate nursing programme. Ethical considerations: Measures to protect participants included obtaining Deaconship of Nursing Faculty approval, obtaining signed informed consent and maintaining confidentiality. METHODS: This study was designed as longitudinal quality. The research population included 143 students registered at a first grade of a nursing faculty for the 2009-2010 academic year. Data were collected with a Questionnaire Form, the Value Preferences Scale, the Professional Values Precedence Scale and the Nursing Professional Values Scale. FINDINGS: According to the results, social values have statistical differences in 4-year nursing education. Nursing students in second class have higher score in terms of social values than those in third class. Also, majority of students ranked human dignity as first and justice as second and third from first to fourth classes, and they have very high scores on Nursing Professional Values Scale and its subscales and stated that all items of Nursing Professional Values Scale are very important. CONCLUSION: As a result, nursing education has vital role in acquiring and maintaining professional values.

Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale.

The purpose of this methodological study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). The scale was adapted to the Turkish language via backward translation. Content validity was examined by referring to experts. Reliability was examined via test-retest reliability and internal consistency, and validity was examined with divergent and convergent validity. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS) were used for divergent validity. As for convergent validity, the Constipation Severity Instrument (CSI) and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Scale (PAC-QOLQ) were utilized. The relationship between the GSRS and the health-related quality of life (36-item short-form health survey [SF-36]) was also analyzed. The study population consisted of patients in orthopedic clinic who volunteered to participate. Test-retest reliability was examined with the participation of 30 patients; internal consistency and validity were examined with 150 patients. Test-retest reliability correlation coefficients of the GSRS varied from 0.39 to 0.87 for all items. For internal consistency, the GSRS's item total correlation was found to be 0.17-0.67, and Cronbach α was 0.82 for all items. There was a positive linear significant correlation between the GSRS, CSI, and PAC-QOLQ. There was no significant correlation between the GSRS, MCSDS, and ESS. Higher GSRS scores inversely correlated with general quality of life (SF-36). The Turkish version of the GSRS has been found to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing patients' gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, this instrument can be confidently used with Turkish individuals.

A planned admission protocol application in intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: The process of admission to an ICU may have a negative impact on a patient's physiological parameters and comfort. AIM: To determine the effect of providing a patient admission protocol on patients' comfort and physiological parameters prior to admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: A randomized, controlled experimental study. METHODS: This study included 100 (50 control, 50 experimental) patients who experienced planned admissions to the ICU of a University Hospital. Standard forms were used to record patient information, evaluations and comfort. Data were collected from patients prior to, during and 24 h after admission to the ICU and 24 h after being transferred. The experimental group was admitted to the ICU using the patient admission protocol and the control group underwent routine admittance. FINDINGS: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the individual characteristics, physiology and comfort prior to, during or 24 h after admission to the ICU (p > 0·05). However, 24 h after being transferred, the experimental group's comfort was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0·01). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the patient admission protocol does not affect the physiological parameters of patients; however, it does raise the comfort level of patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The patient admission protocol specific to the institution (in this context, a unit introductory booklet) should be developed in ICUs. We suggest that admission to the ICU should be carried out in accordance with this protocol.

Nurses' computer literacy and attitudes towards the use of computers in health care.

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was designed to address nurses' computer literacy and attitudes towards the use of computers in health care and to determine the correlation between these two variables. This study was conducted with the participation of 688 nurses who worked at two university-affiliated hospitals. These nurses were chosen using a stratified random sampling method. The data were collected using the Multicomponent Assessment of Computer Literacy and the Pretest for Attitudes Towards Computers in Healthcare Assessment Scale v. 2. The nurses, in general, had positive attitudes towards computers, and their computer literacy was good. Computer literacy in general had significant positive correlations with individual elements of computer competency and with attitudes towards computers. If the computer is to be an effective and beneficial part of the health-care system, it is necessary to help nurses improve their computer competency.

Investigation of nursing students' knowledge levels and attitudes in incontinence-associated dermatitis management through game-based learning: a mixed methods study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess nursing students' knowledge levels and attitudes towards the etiology, risk factors, and preventive measures of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) using an escape room game. DESIGN: A mixed-method study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample size of the study was 32 students. METHODS: Quantitative data obtained with the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Nurses in Managing Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis Questionnaire (KAP-IAD-Q) and qualitative data obtained through FGDs following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist were analyzed using a thematic approach. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 22.63 ± 0.90, 87.5% of them were female (n=28), and 50% were third (n=16) and fourth-year students (n=16). KAP-IAD-Q total posttest score (88.06+7.00) was found to be high. Data obtained from the FGDs were categorized under 3 main themes: main focus areas during participation in the IAD-themed escape room game; advantages and disadvantages of teamwork in IAD management; and the game's contribution to a better understanding and classification of IAD. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the escape room game facilitated high, fast, and efficient learning of IAD knowledge and attitudes. It revealed challenges in collaborative decision-making, accurate diagnosis, distinguishing from other wounds, and attitude development in the management of IAD.

Skin problems associated with the use of personal protective equipment by healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Türkiye.

Background: Skin problems associated with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims: To determine the skin problems experienced by healthcare workers in Türkiye who used PPE during COVID-19 and the effect of these problems on their quality-of-life. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 30 November 2020 to 30 May 2021. Data were collected from 404 healthcare workers recruited via social media. Participants completed a skin problem evaluation form and Skindex-16, which measures the effects of skin disease on quality-of-life. The t test and ANOVA were used to analyse differences between the means. Results: Most (85.1%) of the participants were nurses and 38.6% worked in COVID-19 intensive care units. All the participants wore gloves (53.2% wore double gloves), 99.3% wore surgical masks and 56.2% wore protective glasses. They washed their hands on average 31.94 [standard deviation (SD) 27.55] times a day. Skin problems developed were mostly around the forehead, hands, nose, and ears. The mean (SD) Skindex-16 score was 45.42 (26.31). Based on Skindex scores, respondents with chronic skin problems had a significantly lower quality-of-life than those without skin problems, as did those who developed skin problems during the COVID-19 pandemic than those who did not (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Skin problems associated with the use of PPE increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and these affected the quality-of-life of healthcare workers. Further studies should evaluate how to minimize adverse reactions due to PPE use.

Personal values of baccalaureate nursing students in Turkey.

Value education is aimed at helping students develop a mode of reasoning, enabling them to make decisions and deal with conflicts on a daily basis. For this, it should firstly be assessment personal values of nursing students. The purpose of the study was to determine the personal values of nursing students with respect to certain variables. The population of the study, which had a cross-sectional design, included all undergraduate students (n = 525) attending the nursing school. The sample group comprised 397 nursing students selected from among the nursing students attending a baccalaureate programme in Turkey using the disproportional cluster sampling method. Data were collected utilizing the Personal Information Form and Value Preferences Scale. The personal values of the students were found to be moral, social, financial/economic, aesthetic, political, religious and scientific/theoretical values. The study suggested that the age, year at school and economic level of the family affected the students' values. Values influence behaviours that are an essential component of humanistic nursing care. They are integral to professional socialization, evident in nursing care and fundamental decisions that affect practice.

Nursing activities in intensive care units in Turkey.

This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine applications practiced by nurses working in intensive care units of various institutions in Turkey. The research setting was neurosurgery, surgery, coronary and general intensive care units. The population of the study comprised nurses working in intensive care units, which were under the scope of this study, and these nurses' functions were studied. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Cheltenham Patient Classification Scale and Nursing Activity List. It was observed that nurses spend most of their time on direct nursing care, clerical nursing duties and patient assessment. The most frequent activities included recording observations, calculating fluid balance, recording ventilator parameters, talking to patients, conversation not task orientated, drug preparation and administration. Although nurses spend most of their time on direct nursing care, they might also be obliged to get around to activities not in relation with direct patient care.

Factors affecting nurses' attitudes toward computers in healthcare.

The purpose of the study was to determine factors affecting nurses' attitudes toward computers in healthcare. This cross-sectional study was carried out with nurses employed at one state and one university hospital. The sample of the study included 890 nurses who were selected via a purposive sampling method. Data were collected by using a questionnaire for demographic information and Pretest for Attitudes Toward Computers in Healthcare Assessment Scale v.2. The nurses, in general, had positive attitudes toward computers. Findings of the present study showed a significant difference in attitudes for different categories of age (P < .001), marital status (P < .05), education (P < .001), type of facility (P < .01), job title (P < .001), computer science education (P < .01), computer experience (P < .001), duration of computer use (P < .001), and place of use of computer (P < .001). The results of the present study could be used during planning and implementation of computer training programs for nurses in Turkey and could be utilized in improving the participation of Turkish nurses in initiatives to develop hospital information systems and, above all, in developing computerized patient care planning.

Effect of pilates exercises on premenstrual syndrome symptoms: a quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was done to identify the effect of pilates exercises on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. DESIGN: A quasi experimental was conducted on university student with premenstrual syndrome. METHODS: Population of the study included midwifery students with premenstrual syndrome at Istanbul University Faculty of Health Sciences (N = 286) and 50 of them became the sample (25 in experimental group and 25 in control group). Non-probablistic sampling method was used. While the students in experimental group were asked to practice the pilates exercises for three months, the students in control group were told to maintain their routine habits. At the end of the three months, premenstrual syndrome problem of experimental and control group was diagnosed and the effect of pilates on premenstrual syndrome was evaluated. Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms were evaluated through Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS). The high score received from PMSS shows that the symptoms are intensive. RESULTS: It was seen that the students in the experimental and control group were similar in terms of their aspects which were individual, health and could affect premenstrual syndrome (p > 005). A statistical significant difference was not found between total scores and sub-dimension scores of PMSS in experimental and control group (p < 0.05). It was seen that PMSS total score of experimental group was significantly lower than that of control group (p < 0.001). When in-group comparisons were examined, it was identified that PMSS scores of control group did not change at the beginning and end of exercise, but PMSS score of experimental group at the end of exercise was lower than their score received at the beginning of exercise and, the difference was statistically significant to the highest degree (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was seen that the pilates exercises, which were practiced in this research, decreased the PMS symptoms considerably. In this regard, the pilates exercises have an important role in healing the PMS symptoms.

Connectors as a risk factor for blood-associated infections (3-way stopcock and needleless connector): A randomized-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Microorganisms causing catheter-related bloodstream infections colonize to intravenous catheters (IVC)-particularly to connectors mounted to catheters. The aim of this study was to examine the colonization in 3-way stopcock (TWS) connectors and needleless connectors (NCs) that integrated into central, port, and peripheral venous catheters. METHODS: This random, experimental study consisted of 180 connectors that were inserted into the IVCs of patients in general surgery, reanimation intensive care, and daily chemotherapy units. Cultures of the connectors were obtained at least 48 hours after connecting to IVCs. RESULTS: This study showed that gram-negative, gram-positive, and other pathogens reproduced, although their colonization level was not high enough to develop an infection. When the results of colonization for patients using TWS and NC were compared, the peripheral venous catheters (using a TWS) resulted in a significantly higher increase in reproduction than in patients using NC (P ≤ .01) and no significant difference in the level of colonization in other types of connectors or catheters (P ˃ .05). CONCLUSIONS: The study's results indicated no significant difference between NC and TWSs in terms of reproduction. It should also be noted that connectors integrated into IVC pose a risk in the development of catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Factors affecting nursing and midwifery students' attitudes toward social media.

With the advancement of technology, social media use increases day by day, especially among university students. This descriptive and correlational research was conducted with the aim of investigating attitudes of nursing and midwifery students towards social media in terms of certain variables. The population of the research comprised students studying at the nursing and midwifery department of a health college (N = 336), and the sample of the research constituted students who were chosen using accidental sampling from the population (n = 254). A Student Information Form and the Social Media Attitude Scale were used for data collection. It was identified that 73% of the students studied nursing and 64.2% used social media for various reasons. The averages scores for total score, social competence, need for sharing, relationship with the teachers, and social isolation dimensions of Social Media Attitude Scale were found as 72.19 ±â€¯10.92 (23-115), 14.17 ±â€¯4.87 (6-30), 27.65 ±â€¯6.08 (8-40), 7.50 ±â€¯3.20 (3-15), and 13.14 ±â€¯5.01 (6-30), respectively. It was observed that nursing and midwifery students had positive attitudes towards social media. Furthermore, although the personal characteristics of students do not affect their attitudes towards social media, the features of social media have a statistically significant effect on students attitudes towards social media.

The Assessment of the Risk of Unplanned Extubation in an Adult Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: In order to plan and implement nursing intervention to reduce the incidence rate of unplanned extubation problem in the intensive care unit (ICU), it is necessary to determine the risk factors of unplanned extubation and the patients under risk. AIMS: This study was undertaken with the aim of evaluating the risk of unplanned extubation of endotracheal tube in adult ICU. DESIGN: This was a case-control study. METHODS: The population constituted patients hospitalized in the adult ICU during 1-year period in a university hospital. The sample from this population was composed of patients whose extubation was unplanned (30 patients) and the randomly selected patients (60 patients) who were intubated at the same time in the ICU for each patient whose extubation was unplanned. In data collection, the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II were utilized. FINDINGS: According to the findings, the variables such as sex, age, mechanical ventilation period, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Glasgow Coma Scale scores did not have any effect on the unplanned extubation, but variables such as internal medicine diseases and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale did have an effect. It was also revealed that there was no extubation plan in most of the unplanned extubation group, the nurse was anticipating the unplanned extubation, the patient was intubated again, and a complication occurred. CONCLUSION: The patients who are provided inadequate sedation and analgesia and who have problems in their respiratory system are under risk of unplanned extubation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In order to prevent unplanned extubation, an adequate amount of sedation and private nursing care should be provided to patients in the ICU.

Effect of family presence on pain and anxiety during invasive nursing procedures in an emergency department: A randomized controlled experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Patients generally prefer to have their family present during medical or nursing interventions. Family presence is assumed to reduce anxiety, especially during painful interventions. AIM: This study employed a randomized controlled experimental design to determine the effects of family presence on pain and anxiety during invasive nursing procedures. METHOD: The study population consisted of patients hospitalized in the observation unit of the internal medicine section in the emergency department of a university hospital. The sample comprised 138 patients assigned into the experimental and control groups by drawing lots. The invasive nursing procedure was carried out in the presence of family members, for members of the experimental group, and without family members, for members of the control group. Thus, the effects of family presence on pain and anxiety during the administration of an invasive nursing procedure to patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed that members of the experimental and control groups did not differ with respect to the pain and state anxiety scores during the intervention. CONCLUSION: Family presence does not influence the participants' pain and anxiety during an invasive nursing procedure. Thus, the decision regarding family presence during such procedures should be based on patient preference.

The reliability of site determination methods in ventrogluteal area injection: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: While administering medication through intramuscular injection, the ventrogluteal site must be used instead of the dorsogluteal site, and it is of great significance to locate the ventrogluteal site correctly. OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability of two different methods used to determine the ventrogluteal site in intramuscular injection practice. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: A university hospital in Istanbul. PARTICIPANTS: The study population comprised 120 randomly selected healthcare personnel at a university hospital. METHODS: The ventrogluteal site was determined using the geometric (G method) and V method and these sites were scrutinized under ultrasonography. It was investigated whether there was any anatomic vessels or neural structure present, and also determined the thickness of subcutaneous tissue, musculus gluteus medius, and musculus gluteus minimus. RESULTS: Of the participants, 65.8% were female and the average age was 32.30 years and body mass index was 25.31 kg/m(2). The results showed that G and V methods were statistically significant in terms of variables. It was also found that sex affects subcutaneous tissue thickness and the skin-bone margin in the G and V method, and that body mass index determines subcutaneous tissue, musculus gluteus medius thickness and skin-bone margin. CONCLUSION: When the ventrogluteal site is used for intramuscular injection purposes, the site must be determined in line with the geometric method.