The Effect of Virtual Reality, Music Therapy, and Stress Ball Application on Pain and Anxiety During Outpatient Gynecological Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of virtual reality, music therapy, and stress ball applications, which are methods of distraction, on pain, anxiety, and patient satisfaction during outpatient gynecological procedures. DESIGN: This study was a randomized controlled trial with control and intervention groups, pre-test and post-test. METHODS: The study was conducted with 200 women who underwent gynecological surgical procedures without sedation in a state hospital on the European side of Istanbul between October 2022 and March 2023. There were four groups in the study: Virtual Reality (n = 50), Music Therapy (n = 50), Stress Ball (n = 50), and Control group (n = 50). Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form, Visual Analog Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Life Information Follow-up Form, and Patient Satisfaction Evaluation Form. The scales were completed separately by the investigator before the procedure, 10 minutes after the procedure, and 1 hour after the procedure. FINDINGS: A statistically significant difference between the intervention groups and control groups of women who underwent a gynecological procedure at the 10th minute after the procedure (P=.000) and at the 1st hour after the procedure (P=.000) was significant. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory of women by groups decreased after the procedure and showed a statistically significant difference (P =.000). Satisfaction scores of the women with the intervention according to the groups also showed a significant difference (P =.000). When the satisfaction scores of the women with the intervention were compared by groups, the satisfaction scores ranged from the highest to the lowest, as virtual reality, music therapy, and stress ball application, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality, music therapy, and stress ball applications, which are methods of distraction during the outpatient gynecological procedure, were effective in reducing anxiety and pain and increasing patient satisfaction.

The effect of virtual reality glasses applied during intrauterine device insertion on pain, anxiety and satisfaction: Randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study was carried out to determine the effect of the use of "virtual reality glasses," on anxiety, pain, and satisfaction level in order to reduce anxiety and pain during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, which is a painful and stressful procedure for women and to divert attention to increase satisfaction. METHODS: This randomized controlled study in the gynecology clinic of a state hospital with 80 women who were accepted to participate in the study. Data were collected using structured patient information form, numerical pain rating scale, state-trait anxiety inventory, patient satisfaction evaluation form, and virtual reality glasses. RESULTS: Post-procedural pain scores in the control group after IUD application were higher than post-procedural pain in the virtual reality group. Measurements of post-procedure anxiety in the control group were higher than measurements of post-procedural in the virtual reality group. Satisfaction levels of women with virtual reality glasses during IUD insertion were also found to be high. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that the use of virtual reality glasses, one of the methods of distraction during IUD insertion, was effective in reducing pain and anxiety and increasing patient satisfaction.

The effect of antenatal education on expectant mother's childbirth attitudes, maternal role attainment, and self-confidence levels.

We aim to determine the effect of antenatal education on the attitudes of expectant mothers toward birth, maternal role attainment and self-confidence levels. We carried out this quasi-experimental, non-randomized, prospective study in a hospital located in Istanbul, in the pre- and post-education model. Women in the education group (EG = 60) attended 6 weeks of education. Women in the control group (CG = 60) participated in a periodic follow-up visit. We collected the data using Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire (CAQ), Pharis Self-Confidence Scale (PSCS), and Semantic Differential Scale-Myself as Mother (MMS). We made three measures in total: in the first visit, after six weeks and in the sixth week postpartum. We found the mean scores of second measurement of CAQ, PSCS, third measurement of MMS statistically significant in favor of EG (p < 0.05). Antenatal educations positively affect childbirth attitude, maternal role attainment and self-confidence levels.

Is participation in antenatal classes associated with fathers' mental health? A quasi-experimental and prospective study.

BACKGROUND: In comparison to those conducted with women, studies about the transition of men to parenthood are limited in numbers, especially in developing countries. Moreover, in Turkey, along with gender roles and sociocultural changes, the roles of fathers are also changing. This change highlights the need to understand early parenthood for fathers. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, non-randomized prospective study with a pre- and post-training model was conducted in a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Men in the antenatal education group (EG = 55) and their pregnant wives participated in 6 weeks of training during pregnancy (24th-28th weeks gestation). Men in the care-as-usual group (CG = 55) attended routine check-ups and follow-ups with their wives. GHQ-28 (General Health Questionnaire-28) was administered three times in total at study enrolment, immediately following the 6-week intervention period, and at the 6th postpartum week. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups' GHQ-28 scores before and after the training. In the 6th week of postpartum follow-up, the GHQ-28 scores were significantly higher for the fathers who participated in the educational intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal education classes were found to be associated with the mental health of fathers. Further research evaluating family-centered parenting support programs is warranted to better understand how to support fathers in the transition to parenthood, particularly in countries in which fathers' roles in pregnancy and early parenthood are changing.

Does Antenatal Education Affect Level Of Empathy And Attachment Of Fathers?

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the effects of antenatal education on the paternal bonding and empathic tendency levels of men who would become fathers for the first time. BACKGROUND: There are a limited number of studies in the literature that have investigated the effects of antenatal education programmes on fathers. METHODS: This prospective, controlled quasi-experimental study was conducted in a hospital in Istanbul. The men in the antenatal educational group (EG) and their wives participated in training in antenatal classes. The men in the control group (CG) came for routine prenatal follow-up examinations with their wives. The Empathic Tendency and Paternal Postnatal Attachment Scales were used to collect the data. RESULTS: The Empathic Tendency Scale was applied before the education (1) - after the education (2) and at the 6th postpartum week (3), whilst the Paternal Postnatal Attachment Scale was used at the 6th postpartum month (4). EG had higher emphatic tendency levels in the 2nd and 3rd measurements and higher paternal bonding levels in the 4th measurement in comparison to CG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Antenatal education increased the emphatic tendency of the fathers and the effects of this education continued in the postpartum period and affected paternal bonding positively.

Effects of Covid-19 fear on the attitudes toward Covid-19 vaccination in reproductive women.

This research aimed to determine the effect of Covid-19 fears on attitudes of women of reproductive age toward Covid-19 vaccination. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 413 women aged 18-49. "Participant Identification Form," "Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FCV-19S)" and "Attitudes Towards Covid-19 Vaccine Scale (ATV-Covid-19)" were used to collect data. Kruskall Wallis test, Man Whitney U test and Spearman correlation test were used to evaluate the data. The mean FCV-19S total score of the women within the scope of the study was 18.70 ± 5.34. The mean score of the positive attitude sub-dimension of ATV-Covid-19 of women was 14.09 ± 3.80, the mean score of the negative attitude sub-dimension was 16.21 ± 3.26. A positive, weak and statistically significant correlation was found between FCV-19S total score and ATV-Covid-19 positive attitude sub-dimension mean score (p < 0.05). It was determined that the women within the scope of the study had a moderate fear of Covid-19. However, more women had positive than negative attitudes toward Covid-19 vaccines. In addition, as the level of fear of Covid-19 increases, positive attitudes toward the Covid-19 vaccines increase.

Attitudes Toward Violence Against Women and the Factors That Affect Them in Kutahya, Turkey.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to determine the attitudes of women and men living in Kutahya, Turkey towards violence against women, and the factors that affect them. The data were collected using an Information Form for Women, an Information Form for Men, and the Attitude towards Violence Scale. The study was completed with 2959 participants; 1481 women and 1478 men. In the study, 41.3% of the women and 22.6% of the men reported being subject to violence. The mean score of the attitude towards violence scale was 41.57±11.83 for women and 49.38±11.52 for men (p <0.001). The mean scores on the attitude towards violence scale were found to be statistically significantly related to gender, education status, occupation, income status, co-educational status, co-occupation, marital age, family type, and subjection to violence (p <0.05). Socio-demographic and socio-cultural factors were found to influence the attitudes of women and men towards violence against women. The attitudes towards violence against women were found to be more positive in women. The rate of accepting violence as natural (acceptable) phenomena was found to be higher among men. That is, the attitudes of men towards violence against women are closer to the traditional approach, away from the modern approach.

Frequency of Depression and Risk Factors among Adolescent Mothers in Turkey within the First Year of the Postnatal Period.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Postpartum depression (PPD) emerges within the first 4 weeks of the postnatal period and might continue for as long as 1 year. The aims of this prospective study were to examine the prevalence, severity, and risk factors for PPD among adolescent mothers in Turkey. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The study consisted of 84 adolescent mothers between the ages of 15 and 19 years. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The participants were questioned about PPD at 3 postnatal periods: 4 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. A 23-item question form, prepared to evaluate the risk of PPD, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were used. RESULTS: The risk of adolescent PPD was 19 (22.6%). There was a statistically significant association between the risk of PPD and various factors, such as age, educational background, trouble with partner and family, problems with sexual intercourse in the postnatal term, and assertiveness in making decisions about children (P < .05). At the 6-month follow-up, the scores of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale risk group remained the same, but they were lower at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that adolescent mothers need the assistance of partners, families, midwives/nurses, and other support systems, especially during the first postnatal year, to reduce the prevalence of adolescent PPD.

Attitudes of nursing students toward gender roles: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Nurses can play a critical role in the development of equalitarian perspectives of gender roles.Aims: This study was conducted to determine the attitudes toward gender roles of Turkish nursing students' and to examine the factors affecting these attitudes.Design: The study used a cross-sectional descriptive relational design.Methods: The data were collected with "The Characteristics Form" and "Gender Roles Attitude Scale (GRAS)".Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the GRAS total score means, which determine the attitudes of the students to gender roles, according to their university, age, gender, length of residency, number of siblings, family type, parents' educational background and mother's employment status (p < .05).Conclusions: There should be training programs for parents in order to maintain gender equality.Impact statement: The results indicate that nurse students possess an egalitarian attitude toward gender roles. This would contribute to decreasing gender discrimination in health.

Domestic violence against women in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of domestic violence and the factors that influence domestic violence. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used with data from 1481 women over 18 years of age who were married at least once. Demographics and the Scale for Domestic Violence against Women (SDVAW) were used to collect the data. RESULTS: The results showed that 41.3% of the women experienced domestic violence, and the majority (89.2%) had been subjected to violence by their spouses. There was a significant relationship between the mean SDVAW score and educational status, income status, spouse's age, spouse's education level, marriage age, family type and subjection to violence (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Low social status in Turkey was connected to the level of domestic violence. Efforts should be made to improve women's social status. Changing the country's patriarchal system, and educating women and their spouses can be useful in preventing domestic violence.

Effects of Intradermal Sterile Water Injections in Women with Low Back Pain in Labor: A Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: In addition to the pain caused byuterine contractions during labour, continuous and severe back pain is observed in 33% of women. Several pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods are available for managing this pain. Sterile water injection is considered as alternative method for nonpharmacological pain management. AIMS: To assess the satisfaction level and effectiveness of sterile water injection for back pain among women in labour. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 168 term, healthy women with labour pain and severe back pain were randomized into the sterile water injection (study) and dry injection (placebo) groups. Injections were applied to the rhombus of Michaelis in the sacral area. Pain scores were assessed at 10, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min using a visual analogue scale. Additionally, the need for epidural analgesia, Apgar score, mode of delivery, time of delivery, maternal satisfaction, and breastfeeding score were assessed. RESULTS: The mean back pain scores at 30 min after injections were significantly lower in the study group (study group: 31.66±11.38; placebo: 75±18.26, p<0.01). The mean decrease in pain scores after 30 min according to baseline was significantly higher in the study group (study group: 54.82±7.81; placebo: 13.33±12.05, p<0.01). The need for epidural analgesia, time of delivery, mode of delivery, and Apgar and breastfeeding scores were similar in both groups. Maternal satisfaction from the analgesic effect was significantly higher in the study group (study group: 84.5%; placebo: 35.7%, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The application of sterile water injection is effective for relieving back pain in the first stage of labour and has a sufficient satisfaction level among women.

Effects of pushing techniques during the second stage of labor: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous pushing is a method that is used in the management of the second stage of labor and suggested to be more physiological for the mother and infant. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of pushing techniques on the mother and newborn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized prospective study was performed between June 2013-March 2014 in a tertiary maternity clinic in Istanbul. 80 low risk, nulliparous cases were randomized to pushing groups. Valsalva pushing group was told to hold their breath while pushing. No visual-verbal instructions were given to spontaneous pushing group and they were encouraged to push without preventing respiration. Demographic data, second stage period, perineal laceration rates, fetal heart rate patterns, presence of meconium stained amniotic liquid, newborn APGAR scores, POP-Q examination and Q-tip test results were evaluated in these cases. RESULTS: The second stage of labor was significantly longer with spontaneous pushing. Decrease in Hb levels in valsalva pushing group was determined to be higher than spontaneous pushing group. An increased urethral mobility was observed in valsalva pushing group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the duration of the second stage of labor was longer compared to valsalva pushing technique, women were able to give birth without requiring any verbal or visual instruction, without exceeding the limit value of two hours and without affecting fetal wellness and neonatal results.

The Efficiency of Reproduction Health Education Given to Adolescents during the Postpartum Period.

Our research, partly experimental and partly prospective, was conducted for the purpose of evaluating the efficiency of reproductive health education given to adolescents during the postpartum period. The study comprised with 120 adolescents aged 15 to 19 (60 experimental group, 60 control group). Follow-up was conducted every 3 months for a total of 12 months, and the study concluded with 55 individuals from the experimental group and 46 individuals from the control group having participated fully, for the full 12 months. At the end of the research, it was found that the reproductive health knowledge of the experimental (103.10 ± 11.43) and control (99.15 ± 9.53) groups were similar before education. A statistically significant difference was also found between the total points for the scale determining the reproductive health of the experimental and control groups before and after education (P < .001). The socio-demographic variables affecting the total points for the scale determining the reproductive health-protective behavior of women were evaluated by multiple regression analysis; the most effective variables were found to be age and educational status. A statistically significant difference was also found between the total points for the family planning behavior scale of the experimental and control groups before and after education (P < .001). From this, it was understood that reproductive health education given during the postpartum and follow-up periods has a positive effect on adolescents' developing reproductive health behaviors and on creating knowledge and awareness related to family planning behavior. But there needs to be follow-up and supporting specific for adolescents in the current health system.