Assessment of depression and sexual quality of life in postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of depression, review some variables that are believed to be associated and assess the relationships between depression and sexual quality of life in postmenopausal women. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on postmenopausal women in Ankara, Turkey from February to June 2020. The study group consisted of 242 postmenopausal women. The Beck Depression Inventory and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire were used to assess the level of depression and sex life, respectively. Online questionnaire forms (Google Form) prepared by using the literature in line with the study objective were completed by the women online. Independent t-test, analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and Pearson's correlation analysis were used for statistical analyses. Statistical significance was accepted as p ≤ 0.05. FINDINGS: The of women was found to be 52.64 (±6.245) years and the average menopause age was found to be 47.81 (±4.039) years in this study. The mean score obtained by the women from the Beck Depression Inventory was 13.04 (±7.82). It was determined that the women showed "mild depressive symptoms" mostly. As for the women's sexual quality of life, the mean score obtained from the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire was 61.32 (±14.70). A statistically significant and moderate negative correlation was detected between the mean scores obtained by the women from the Beck Depression Inventory and the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (r = -0.305; p < 0.01). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It was determined in the study that sexual quality of life is affected by menopause negatively and the women had mild depressive symptoms. Depression among postmenopausal women is an important women's health problem that should be addressed. A negative correlation was found between depression and sexual quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment of menopause as well as activities for raising awareness among postmenopausal women will be effective in improving quality of life.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Education Needs, Gender Roles Attitudes and Acceptance of Couple Violence According to Engaged Men and Women.

This descriptive study was aimed to evaluate the attitudes of the engaged men and women who are of legal age to marry towards gender roles and acceptance of couple violence, and determine their sexual/reproductive health education needs. It was conducted in two marriage registry offices in Ankara, Turkey. The study sample consisted of 740 participants. Data were collected by using semi-structured form, Gender Roles Attitude Scale and Acceptance of Couple Violence Scale. It was found that the engaged couples had educational needs concerning sexual/reproductive health; socio-demographic characteristics such as gender, age, education, residence, and income level created significant differences in the attitudes related to accepting gender roles and violence; and having an egalitarian attitude towards gender roles decreased the rate of accepting violence between the couples. Results indicate that premarital counseling is a promising strategy to support engaged couples' sexual/reproductive health needs, and increase their awareness about gender based couple violence in communities.

Urinary Incontinence in Pregnant Women: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Its Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy and to evaluate its effect on health-related quality of life. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample of the study comprised 287 pregnant women attending an outpatient clinic located in a research and training hospital in Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: Data were collected using an investigator-developed questionnaire that included 2 validated instruments, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and Incontinence Quality of Life scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of UI in the study population was 21.3% (n = 61). Cumulative scores in pregnant women who "always" experienced UI and those who expressed a "large amount" of UI were lower than women with milder UI. Logistic regression analysis found associations between UI and age in years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.833; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.763-8.332), parity (OR = 2.539; 95% CI, 1.135-5.675), third trimester versus first trimester (OR = 3.206; 95% CI, 1.178-8.725), and prior use of hormonal contraceptives (OR = 0.209; 95% CI, 0.085-0.513). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary incontinence is prevalent among pregnant women. Age, parity, and gestational week were associated with an increased likelihood of UI during pregnancy. Prior use of contraceptive hormones was associated with a reduced risk of UI during pregnancy.

Living with gynecologic cancer: experience of women and their partners.

PURPOSE: To describe the experiences of Turkish women with gynecologic cancer and their partners. DESIGN AND METHODS: Qualitative research using a descriptive phenomenological approach. SETTING: Gynecologic oncology outpatient clinic of the Gulhane Military Medical Academy in Ankara, Turkey. Nineteen women with gynecologic cancer aged 43-70 years and 12 partners aged 46-73 years were recruited. Data were obtained through open-ended and in-depth, audio-taped interviews which lasted approximately 35-45 minutes each. FINDINGS: Seven themes emerged from the participants' description of their experience: (a) experiences during the diagnosis period; (b) experiences during the treatment period; (c) the effect of cancer on family life; (d) changes in daily life; (e) coping methods and support sources; (f) the meaning of illness; and (g) experiencing the illness as a woman. CONCLUSIONS: Receiving the diagnosis of gynecologic cancer was remembered as a very dramatic experience. The women and partners reported many physical and psychosocial difficulties relating to the treatment period. Healthcare professionals must understand and recognize cancer patients' and their partners' experiences to provide appropriate holistic care. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nurses can only provide effective and comprehensive nursing care to gynecologic cancer patients and their families if they fully understand the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual experiences in their lives.