First death experiences of newly graduated nurses: A qualitative phenomenological study.

Newly graduated nurses typically face death for the first time during the transition to their professional careers. This encounter can cause nurses to experience compelling emotions and make it difficult for them to manage and cope with the process of adaptation to the profession and the death process of the patient. This study aims to retrospectively examine and reveal the first death experiences of newly graduated nurses (N = 15) using a retrospective phenomenological method. Analysis of the responses of the newly graduated nurses revealed three themes: first encounter with death, nothing is like before, and support need. Newly graduated nurses realized that their first death experiences change their perspectives on life and profession and that nursing touches human life.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Simulation Among BSN Students: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of virtual reality simulation in nursing education in five domains: knowledge, skill performance, self-confidence, self-efficacy, and satisfaction. Randomized controlled trials were obtained from the databases SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCO from inception until September 2021. The standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were determined for the main variables, and heterogeneity was analyzed using the I2 test. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) Checklist was used. Meta-analysis was performed using the Stata 15.0 software. Among the 2074 records identified, 18 trials were included. The meta-analysis of these trials indicated that virtual reality simulation caused a significant improvement in knowledge with a moderate effect, skill performance with a moderate effect, and satisfaction with a moderate effect compared with the control group. However, virtual reality simulation did not significantly influence self-confidence and self-efficiency. The findings of this study suggested that virtual reality simulation might significantly benefit knowledge, skill performance, and satisfaction but not self-confidence and self-efficiency. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials with a larger sample size are recommended to confirm these findings.

Examination of family caregivers of advanced cancer patients within the scope of the cancer family caregiving experience model: An embedded mixed-methods design.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the stressors and contextual factors that affect the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of advanced cancer patients and to address their caregiving experiences. METHODS: The study had an embedded mixed-methods design and was conducted in the medical oncology unit of a training and research hospital in Turkey. In the quantitative phase, 125 patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers were included. In the qualitative phase, 21 family caregivers were included. The analysis of quantitative data was carried out using SPSS 25.0 statistical program, and qualitative data were carried out using Collaizi's seven-step descriptive analysis approach. QoL was determined as the dependent variable and evaluated with Caregiver QoL Index-Cancer (CQOLC). RESULTS: The symptoms, care dependency of patients, and preparedness to the care of caregivers showed a direct impact on the CQOLC. Income level, employment status, and daily caregiving hours demonstrated a direct effect on the CQOLC. Four themes emerged from the interviews: Understanding the dynamics of the caregiving process, losing control of life during the caregiving process, limitation of socio-economic freedom in the caregiving process, and the effort to hold on to life in the caregiving process. CONCLUSION: The cancer family caregiving experience model is a useful model for evaluating the QoL of caregivers from a multidimensional perspective. Health care professionals should not forget that the QoL of family caregivers should be evaluated in multiple ways, and education programmes for family members should be structured.

Biopsychosocial Factors Predicting Pain Among Individuals Experiencing the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

BACKGROUND: Pain is one of the most common symptoms of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Being both a physical and a psychological experience, pain is affected by many factors, including biological, psychological, and social rather than a single variable. AIMS: To determine the effects of biological, psychological, and social factors on pain level among participants experiencing with the COVID-19. DESIGN: A web-based, retrospective, and descriptive study SETTING: Social media sources such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and E-mail PARTICIPANTS: One hundred forty-nine participants were included. METHODS: Data were collected based on the biopsychosocial model. Pain level was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). The data were analyzed using descriptive, correlational statistics, and structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 32.87 (SD = 11.32) years. The VAS scores were associated with gender (Z = -2.103, p = .035), and chronic disease status (Z = 3.001, p = .003), and the Chalder Fatigue Scale total score (ß = 0.718, p < .001) associated with biological factors. The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale scores among psychological factors showed a direct impact on the VAS scores (ß = 0.583, p < .001). The Patterns of Activity Measure-Pain total score examined within social factors directly affected the VAS score. The VAS score did not correlate with age, smoking status, hospitalization status, respiratory support, marital status, education level, employment, and income status. CONCLUSIONS: The pain level in COVID-19 participants was determined by biological, psychological, and social factors. Females and participants with chronic illness, anxiety, fatigue, and low physical activity were found to experience high levels of pain. Education and counseling programs for pain management should be comprehensively structured and include anxiety reduction programs, and fatigue management.

Multidimensional factors affecting medication adherence among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of socioeconomic-, patient-, treatment-, condition- and health system-related factors on medication adherence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). BACKGROUND: Medication adherence is essential for the management of chronic diseases. The World Health Organization created a Multidimensional Adherence Model (MAM) and showed that medication adherence is affected by a combination of numerous factors. DESIGN: A descriptive correlational study was conducted. METHODS: A total of 114 patients with COPD were included. Data were collected on five dimensions based on the MAM framework. Medication adherence, self-efficacy and symptoms were evaluated using the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale-7 (ARMS-7), COPD Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT), respectively. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlational statistics and structural equation modelling. The STROBE checklist was used. RESULTS: The ARMS-7 scores were associated with the body mass index of patients (F = 4.245, p = .017), smoke pack-years (r = .277, p = .004) and the CSES total score (ß = -0.249, p = .002) in patient-related factors. The ARMS-7 score was not associated with socio-economic and health system-related factors. The ARMS-7 score showed a significant correlation between COPD diagnosis duration (r = -.276, p = .003) and the total number of drugs (r = -.215, p = .022) in treatment-related factors. The ARMS-7 scores were associated with the number of comorbid illnesses of patients with COPD in condition-related factors (F = 3.533, p = .033). CONCLUSION: This study showed that medication adherence in COPD was mostly affected by patient-, treatment- and condition-related factors. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals should establish training and counselling programs to increase the medication adherence level of patients, particularly for patients who are newly diagnosed, require multiple drugs and have comorbid diseases or low self-efficacy.

'The body seems to have no life': The experiences and perceptions of fatigue among patients after COVID-19.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at determining the perception of fatigue among patients with a history of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a long-lasting distressing symptom. It is a multidimensional symptom consisting of several factors, including physiological, psychological, social and environmental. It is vital to examine and understand the perception of fatigue among post-COVID-19 participants. DESIGN: A descriptive phenomenological design. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 14 post-COVID-19 participants that were recruited using criterion sampling. The fatigue levels of the participants were determined using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), and those with a fatigue score above 12 were interviewed. All the interviews were conducted with a smartphone due to the COVID-19. The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist was used. RESULTS: The age of the participants varied from 24 to 67 years, with the majority of the participants being female (n = 8). The COVID-19 duration ranged from one to 11 months, and the CFS scores varied between 14 and 33. Four themes emerged following the qualitative data analysis: a new symptom beyond fatigue, fatigue increases dependency in daily life, fatigue impedes sociability and a way to hold on to life's regular rhythms. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that fatigue in post-COVID-19 participants is a new experience that is difficult to define and manage and overwhelmingly affects the physical and social aspects of life. Participants look for new ways to live with fatigue and turn to traditional methods and psychosocial strategies. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study revealed the miscellaneous aspects of fatigue in post-COVID-19 participants. Nurses should evaluate fatigue with a holistic approach that includes its physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects. Nurses can play an active role in the management of fatigue, which is a very common symptom in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation on Neuropathic Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation on the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), fatigue, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: An assessor-blinded prospective randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to the relaxation group (RG; n = 28), meditation group (MG; n = 25), or control group (CG; n = 24). The mean age of participants was 64.2 ± 8.1 years in the RG, 61.6 ± 8.0 years in the MG, and 64.1± 6.6 years in the CG. Patients in the intervention groups performed progressive muscle relaxation or mindfulness meditation at their home for 12 weeks, 20 min daily. The CG received only an attention-matched controlled education on pancreas anatomy and diabetes. Data collection was performed at baseline and at weeks 12 and 14 using the VAS, FACIT Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F), and Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life Questionnaire (NePIQoL). FINDINGS: VAS scores were significantly lower in the RG and MG at week 12 (p < .05) and were statistically significant in the RG at week 14. Additionally, fatigue severity decreased significantly in the RG at weeks 12 and 14, compared to that in the CG (p < .05). While no significant difference was found in the quality of life scores between the study groups at weeks 12 and 14 (p > .05), a significant improvement in quality of life scores in the RG were provided at week 12 compared to those at baseline and week 14 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Both progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation had a positive impact on providing pain relief in patients with DPNP. Moreover, progressive muscle relaxation also appeared to have a beneficial effect on fatigue. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on the results, progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation can be recommended as supportive therapies for the management of DPNP.

Relationship between symptom burden, medication adherence and spiritual well-being in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between symptom burden, medication adherence and spiritual well-being in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). BACKGROUND: The relationship between spirituality and medication adherence has been investigated in different chronic conditions. However, the relationship between symptom burden, medication adherence and spiritual well-being in patients with COPD has not been explored. DESIGN: A descriptive correlational study design was adopted. METHODS: A total of 112 patients with COPD were included in the study. Data were collected using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale-7 (ARMS-7) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp). The data were analysed using descriptive and correlational statistics. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Checklist was used. RESULTS: The CAT score was significantly higher in patients on long-term oxygen therapy and those who had more than three comorbid conditions (p < .05). The mean score of ARMS-7 was significantly associated with age (p < .05). Current smokers had higher ARMS-7 and lower FACIT-Sp scores (p < .001). The FACIT-Sp score was negatively and moderately associated with the CAT and ARMS-7 scores (p < .001). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that individuals with higher spiritual well-being had lower symptom burden and higher medication adherence. The need for long-term oxygen therapy and a high number of comorbid conditions were associated with increased symptom burden. Current smokers had lower spiritual well-being and medication adherence. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Spiritual well-being should be evaluated when assessing symptom burden and medication adherence in clinical practice. In addition, further studies examining the causal relationship between symptom burden, spiritual well-being and medication adherence in different populations are warranted.

Aromatherapy Massage for Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effects of aromatherapy massage on neuropathic pain severity and quality of life (QoL) in patients suffering from painful diabetic neuropathy. DESIGN AND METHODS: This open-label randomized controlled clinical study was conducted in a university hospital endocrine outpatient clinic in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 46 patients, randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 25). The intervention group received aromatherapy massage three times per week for a period of 4 weeks. The control group received only routine care. Data were collected from patients using the Douleur Neuropathique questionnaire, the visual analog scale, and the Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life questionnaire. FINDINGS: Neuropathic pain scores significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group in the fourth week of the study. Similarly, QoL scores significantly improved in the intervention group in the fourth week of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy massage is a simple and effective nonpharmacological nursing intervention that can be used to manage neuropathic pain and improve QoL in patients with painful neuropathy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Aromatherapy massage is a well-tolerated, feasible, and safe nonpharmacological method that can be readily integrated into clinical settings by nursing staff. The essential oils rosemary, geranium, lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile can be safely used by nurses in the clinical setting, if applicable. However, training and experience of nurses in aromatherapy massage is critical to achieving positive results.

Effects of aromatherapy on agitation and related caregiver burden in patients with moderate to severe dementia: A pilot study.

We examined the effects of aromatherapy on agitation in patients with dementia and evaluated related caregiver burden. Patients and their caregivers from two hospitals in Turkey were selected and divided into an intervention group (n = 14) and a control group (n = 14). Patients were stratified according to their dementia phase and intake of antipsychotic medication. The intervention group received aromatherapy via massage and inhalation at home for 4 weeks. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). At 2 and 4 weeks, the NPI scores were significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.05). At 4 weeks, the CMAI and ZBI scores were significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, after aromatherapy, agitation, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and caregiver distress significantly reduced, and aromatherapy prevented caregiver burden increase.

The Effects of Aromatherapy Massage and Reflexology on Pain and Fatigue in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Nonpharmacologic interventions for symptom management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are underinvestigated. Limited data suggest that aromatherapy massage and reflexology may help to reduce pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the effects of aromatherapy massage and reflexology on pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study sample was randomly assigned to either an aromatherapy massage (n = 17), reflexology (n = 17) or the control group (n = 17). Aromatherapy massage was applied to both knees of subjects in the first intervention group for 30 minutes. Reflexology was administered to both feet of subjects in the second intervention group for 40 minutes during weekly home visits. Control group subjects received no intervention. Fifty-one subjects with rheumatoid arthritis were recruited from a university hospital rheumatology clinic in Turkey between July 2014 and January 2015 for this randomized controlled trial. Data were collected by personal information form, DAS28 index, Visual Analog Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale. Pain and fatigue scores were measured at baseline and within an hour after each intervention for 6 weeks. Pain and fatigue scores significantly decreased in the aromatherapy massage and reflexology groups compared with the control group (p < .05). The reflexology intervention started to decrease mean pain and fatigue scores earlier than aromatherapy massage (week 1 vs week 2 for pain, week 1 vs week 4 for fatigue) (p < .05). Aromatherapy massage and reflexology are simple and effective nonpharmacologic nursing interventions that can be used to help manage pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The effect of range of motion exercises on delirium prevention among patients aged 65 and over in intensive care units.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of range of motion exercises on preventing delirium and shortening the duration of delirium among patients in the intensive care unit who are aged 65 and over. The study was conducted in the intensive care unit on patients with non-invasive mechanical ventilation. The sample size included 47 patients from the intervention group and 47 from the control group. The incidence of delirium was 8.5% in the intervention group and 21.3% in the control group. The duration of delirium was 15 h for patients in the intervention group and 38 h for those in the control group. Although delirium incidence and duration decreased by 2.5-fold in the intervention group compared to the control group; there was no significant relationship between the intervention and control groups. In conclusion, as the decreases in delirium occurrence and duration were not statistically significant, the effect of range of motion exercises was limited.

The tendency and affecting factors of nursing students' Xenophobia toward refugees from the perspective of ecological systems theory: A convergent parallel mixed method study.

AIM: This study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of nursing students' xenophobic tendencies toward refugees and affecting factors from the perspective of Ecological Systems Theory. BACKGROUND: Nursing students' xenophobia toward refugees may negatively affect their care for patients. To effectively prevent xenophobia, it is essential to identify its underlying factors. DESIGN: A convergent parallel mixed method. METHODS: This study was conducted with third and fourth-grade nursing students at a university in Turkey. In the quantitative phase, online surveys were used, employing convenience sampling, with 227 participants. In the qualitative phase, purposive sampling was used and data were collected through in-depth interviews with 17 participants on the Zoom platform. Data were obtained using the Participant Information Form, Xenophobia Scale and Semi-Structured Interview Form. RESULTS: Nursing students who are male, in their third year, have low economic status, lack immigrant friends, lack immigrants in the family members, receive information about immigrants from social media and live in regions with a high concentration of immigrants have higher levels of xenophobia (p<0.05). In the qualitative phase, our study results showed that negative experiences with refugees, economic and social worries, perception of security threats, cultural conflicts and negative media messages toward refugees can lead to xenophobia. In addition, students stated that lessons about immigrants and caring for them in clinics can improve their ability to empathize with immigrants. CONCLUSION: Nursing curriculums should cover immigrant care and interaction to combat xenophobia, which can improve empathy skills and raise awareness.

Effect of methylprednisolone injection speed on the perception of intramuscular injection pain.

Pain originating from intramuscular (IM) injection should not be underestimated, because a painful injection might incite severe fear of injection, which may lead a patient to delay seeking medical help. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of two different IM methylprednisolone injection speeds on pain intensity and pain duration. A one-group quasiexperimental design was used to study 10-second versus 30-second injection durations. According to the formula for one sample using average values, 25 patients were recruited from a dermatology clinic. Data were collected using the "Patient Characteristics Form" and the visual analog scale (VAS). The mean difference in pain levels according to the VAS in the postinjection period was significantly higher with administration of IM methylprednisolone in 10 seconds compared with 30-second administration (VAS 1.9 vs. 1.3; p < .05). The severity of pain peaked at 0 minutes for both injection speeds, but the duration of pain was longer with 10-second injections. The data showed that at multiple time points after 10-second injections, men and patients >40 years old experienced greater pain severity. Pain severity after 30-second injections was greater for patients of normal or low weight who had completed higher levels of education. In conclusion, slow IM injection of steroids improves pain management.

Determining the predictors of nursing students' xenophobic tendency toward refugees.

BACKGROUND: Xenophobia is an important role in affecting the professional development of nursing students and the health of refugees. However, factors contributing to xenophobia levels in nursing students remain undetermined. AIM: To determine the predictors and levels of xenophobia in nursing students toward refugees. METHOD: Our cross-sectional descriptive study included nursing students (n = 265) from Turkey. Data were collected using the "Participant Information Form", "Xenophobia Scale", "Ethnocentrism Scale", and "Intergroup Social Contact Scale". Structural equation modeling and regression analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: 86.0 % of the participants were female and students' xenophobia scale mean score was 50.89 (SD = 9.59) at a high level. Nursing students living in the city center showed a higher level of xenophobia than those living in the village/town (ß = 3.327). Nursing students with an immigrant family member displayed a lower level of xenophobia than those who did not (ß = 3.461). Both ethnocentrism and intergroup social contact exerted a direct effect on xenophobia. Ethnocentrism (ß = 0.193, p < 0.001) was found to be a positive predictor of xenophobia levels in students. Intergroup social contact (ß = -0.400, p < 0.001) was found to be a negative predictor of xenophobic levels in students. CONCLUSION: This study showed that ethnocentrism and intergroup social contact exerted direct effects on the xenophobic levels in nursing students. Our study also revealed that living in the city center and having an immigrant family member affected the level of xenophobia in such a sample.

Effects of warm or cold compresses applied to the legs during hemodialysis on cramps, fatigue, and patient comfort: A placebo-controlled randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle cramps and fatigue are common complications in hemodialysis patients and have been associated with reduced patient comfort. Among the complementary therapies advocated for the management of these complications have been the application of warm or cold compresses to the extremities during a hemodialysis treatment. In this study, we compared the effects of warm or cold compresses application on cramping, fatigue, and patient comfort. METHODS: This placebo-controlled randomized trial was done in 69 patients, who were stratified and randomly allocated to three treatment arms. Two of the three groups included an intervention; application of either warm (n = 23) or cold (n = 23) compresses to the extremities during dialysis. The third group served as a placebo control (n = 23). The study period comprised 12 hemodialysis sessions. One week after the completion of the intervention, a follow-up dialysis session was also evaluated. Data were collected at baseline (t0 ), during each of 12 intervention sessions (t1 -t12 ), and at the follow-up session t13 . Cramps, fatigue, and patient comfort were evaluated using the Cramp Episode Follow-up Chart, Piper's Fatigue Scale, and the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale, respectively. RESULTS: In both the intervention and follow-up sessions, cramping and fatigue were lower, and comfort was higher in each of the intervention groups compared to placebo controls Application of warm compresses was superior to use of cold compresses. DISCUSSION: Both warm and cold compress administration reduced muscle cramps, fatigue, and hemodialysis comfort in hemodialysis patients.

Influence of technical, cognitive and socio-emotional factors on digital literacy in nursing students assessed using structural equation modeling.

BACKGROUND: Digital literacy is one of the 21st-century skills that nursing students should develop and acquire. Several factors influencing digital literacy have been identified, but the predictive role of technical, cognitive, and socio-emotional factors in digital literacy remains unexplored in nursing students. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the digital literacy level and determine the predictive role of technical, cognitive, and socio-emotional factors in digital literacy among nursing students in Turkey using a structural equation modeling (SEM)-based approach. DESIGN: A web-based, predictive, cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted among first-, second-, third- and fourth-year students in a nursing faculty located in the capital of Turkey in the academic year 2021-2022. PARTICIPANTS: Overall, 210 nursing students were recruited for this study. METHODS: The use of a digital literacy model guided data collection. Data were collected between 8 and 28 June 2022 using online Google Forms. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and SEM. RESULTS: Nursing students' digital literacy mean score was 67.29 (13.60). Internet self-efficacy (ß = 0.31, p < 0.001), online information search strategies (ß = 0.20, p = 0.003), and online privacy concerns (ß = 0.14, p = 0.024) were positive predictors, whereas social media use (ß = -0.13, p = 0.032) was a negative predictor of digital literacy. Among these variables, Internet self-efficacy had the most significant influence on the digital literacy level. The four variables contributed to 22 % of variance in the digital literacy level. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows nursing students' digital literacy level is above average. Our findings suggest that technical, cognitive, and socio-emotional factors influence digital literacy.

Interventions to Improve the Preparedness to Care for Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Preparedness for caregiving could balance the negative impacts of caregiving. The interventions aimed at increasing readiness among the caregivers are important during the illness period for both patients and their caregivers. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to review the interventions applied to the caregivers of cancer patients and to examine the effects of these interventions on the preparedness to care. METHODS: The ScienceDirect, Scopus, CENTRAL, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and PubMed were searched for relevant studies published between 2000 and 2020. The methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. The statistical analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 3.0. The publication bias was assessed using the Egger test, for funnel plots. RESULTS: Eleven studies were selected for the meta-analysis, including those about psychoeducation programs (n = 5), education programs (n = 3), supportive programs (n = 2), and a self-care support program for the caregivers (n = 1). The methodological quality assessment revealed 2 studies as "strong." The results indicated an increase in the caregivers' preparedness to care after the interventions. The subgroup analysis revealed that the programs with higher ratios of female caregivers were more effective. CONCLUSION: The interventions applied to the family caregivers can exert beneficial effects on caregivers' preparedness to care. Nonetheless, future studies should focus on methodological issues, such as randomization and blinding. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurse-driven interventions may be used as a useful strategy to improve the preparedness to care among the caregivers of cancer patients. The male caregivers should be closely followed by healthcare professionals for knowledge and support needs.

The Effects of Relaxation Techniques on Pain, Fatigue, and Kinesiophobia in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A 3-Arm Randomized Trial.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In addition to the available medical treatment options, multiple sclerosis (MS) patients may tend toward complementary and integrative therapies. Relaxation techniques are a nonpharmacological and side-effect-free therapy option currently available to alleviate the symptoms of many different chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the effects of relaxation techniques on the pain, fatigue, and kinesiophobia in MS patients. METHODS: This 3-arm randomized controlled trial consisted of 80 MS patients. Relaxation techniques, progressive muscle relaxation and Benson relaxation technique were applied to 2 intervention groups, the third was the control group. The study lasted 12 weeks, and the patient information form, visual analog scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia were used for data collection. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in pain, fatigue, and kinesiophobia levels in the intervention groups compared with the control group (P < .05). Progressive muscle relaxation was more effective than Benson relaxation technique (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Relaxation techniques are recommended for the management of symptoms of pain, fatigue, and kinesiophobia, which can often cause disability in MS patients, because they have no side effects and are practical administrations. These exercises are also promising in the rehabilitation process of MS patients.

The Effects of Cooling Therapies on Fatigue, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis examined the effects of the cooling therapies on fatigue, physical activity, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Articles published between 2000 and 2020 were searched in six databases. The standardized mean differences were determined by the upper and lower limits of 95% confidence intervals. Publication bias was assessed by conducting the Egger test, which uses linear regression. Publication bias was examined visually using a funnel plot. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. The types of cooling therapies included cooling garment ( n = 4), cooling device ( n = 2), cooling room ( n = 1), precooling ( n = 1), and cold water ingestion ( n = 1). The results indicated a significant decrease in fatigue and an increase in physical activity following cooling therapy. Cooling therapies improved the QoL of patients with MS. The Egger test indicated no significant publication bias. However, the funnel plot presented a slight asymmetry among studies. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cooling therapies have a beneficial effect on fatigue, physical activity, and the QoL of patients with MS. Healthcare professionals can use cooling methods to manage thermosensitive symptoms in patients with MS.