The Effect of Perineum Massage Applied With and Without an Instrument in the Active Phase of Labor Birth Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Perineal massage during labor reduces the need for episiotomy and shortens the length of the episiotomy. Pregnant women should be offered instrumented (EPI-NO) or manual perineal massage in labor. This study was conducted to determine the effect of perineal massage applied with (EPI-NO) and without an instrument during the active phase of labor on episiotomy rate and episiotomy length in women who gave birth vaginally. METHODS: The study included 101 pregnant women aged 18-35 years, with gestational ages between 38 and 42 weeks and indications for vaginal delivery. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: EPI-NO massage, manual massage, and control. The perineal massage was administered during the active labor phase (4- to 8-cm dilation) for 20 min in the intervention groups. Postpartum episiotomy rates and lengths were recorded using standardized forms. The research data were collected using the Introductory Information Form and Birth Assessment Form. RESULTS: The episiotomy rate was found to be 33.3% in group I, 75.0% in group II, and 74.4% in the Control group, and a statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). The mean episiotomy length of the women was 1.5 cm (mean ± SD: 1.50 ± 1.20) for group I, 3 cm (mean ± SD 2.70 ± 1.50) for group II, and 3.5 cm (mean ± SD 3.10 ± 2.00) for the control group (p < 0.000). CONCLUSION: Perineal massage with EPI-NO was the most effective method at decreasing the episiotomy rate and shortening the episiotomy length compared with other groups.

The Stirling Antenatal Anxiety Scale (SAAS): Turkish validity and reliability study.

AIMS: To examine the psychometric properties of the Stirling Antenatal Anxiety Scale (SAAS), developed by Sinesi et al., which assesses the level of anxiety of pregnant women in the prenatal period, in the Turkish culture, and to conduct a validity and reliability study. METHODS: This study had a methodological approach, with a cross-sectional and descriptive research design. Reporting was in accordance with the STROBE checklist. The sample included 160 pregnant women who were followed up in the maternity outpatient clinics of a public hospital and a private hospital in Istanbul. Data were collected face-to-face using a personal information form, the Turkish version of the SAAS, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale between June and August 2023. In the data analysis, validity analyses were performed with content and construct validity and multiple fit indices for confirmatory factor analysis. Item-total score analysis was conducted using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Pearson's correlation analysis to assess reliability. Descriptive and reliability analyses were undertaken using SPSS v.28.0.1.0, and validity analyses were performed using SPSS AMOS v.26.0.0.0. FINDINGS: Based on expert opinions on the items in the Turkish version of the SAAS, the content validity ratio was 0.96. The decision was made to exclude Item 9 from the Turkish version because the item factor load was low. The Turkish version had a single factor, as did the original version. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.87, so the Turkish version was determined to have high reliability. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the SAAS, originally produced in English, has high levels of validity and reliability. In addition, it is short and easy to apply in clinical and research settings. As such, the Turkish version of the SAAS is recommended for use to evaluate the level of anxiety in pregnant women.

Quality of Life and Depression Conditions of Women with Gestational Diabetes during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to determine the quality of life and depression of women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. METHODS: 100 pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 100 healthy pregnant women were included in the present study. Data were obtained from pregnant women in their third trimester who agreed to take part in the study. The data was collected during the third trimester and six to eight weeks after the baby was born. The data were obtained by socio-demographic characteristics form, postpartum data collection form, the MOS 36 Item Short Form Health Survey and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). RESULTS: The mean age of pregnant women with gestational diabetes in the study was the same as the average age of healthy pregnant women. The CESD score of pregnant women with gestational diabetes was 26,77 ± 4,85 while the corresponding score was 25,19 ± 4,43 for healthy women. Additionally, the score in the postpartum period was 32.47 ± 5.94 for pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 35.47 ± 8.33 for healthy pregnant women. CESD scores were found to be higher than the cut-off score of 16 in both groups, and the mean scores increased during the postpartum period. CONCLUSION: During the postpartum period, the quality of life of pregnant women with gestational diabetes was affected more negatively than healthy pregnant women. Depressive symptoms of women with both gestational diabetes and healthy pregnancy were found to be high in pregnancy and postpartum periods.

OBJETIVO: O estudo foi realizado para determinar a qualidade de vida e depressão de mulheres com diabetes gestacional durante a gravidez e período pós-parto. MéTODOS: 100 gestantes com diabetes gestacional e 100 gestantes saudáveis incluídas no presente estudo. Os dados foram obtidos de mulheres grávidas no terceiro trimestre que concordaram em participar do estudo. Os dados foram coletados durante o terceiro trimestre e seis a oito semanas após o nascimento do bebê. Os dados foram obtidos por meio do formulário de características sociodemográficas formulário de coleta de dados pós-parto MOS 36 Item Short Form Health Survey e Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). RESULTADOS: A idade média das gestantes com diabetes gestacional no estudo foi igual à idade média das gestantes saudáveis. O escore CESD de gestantes com diabetes gestacional foi de 26 77 ± 4 85 enquanto o escore correspondente foi de 25 19 ± 4 43 para mulheres saudáveis. Além disso o escore no pós-parto foi de 32 47 ± 5 94 para gestantes com diabetes gestacional e 35 47 ± 8 33 para gestantes saudáveis. Os escores do CESD foram maiores do que o ponto de corte de 16 em ambos os grupos e os escores médios aumentaram durante o período pós-parto. CONCLUSãO: Durante o período pós-parto a qualidade de vida de gestantes com diabetes gestacional foi mais afetada negativamente do que gestantes saudáveis. Os sintomas depressivos de mulheres com diabetes gestacional e gravidez saudável foram elevados na gravidez e nos períodos pós-parto.

Modeling the risk factors of women with very severe menopausal symptoms.

AIM: Individual differences and sociodemographic, gynecological, and cultural characteristics affect the severity of menopausal symptoms. This study aimed to reveal the severity of menopausal symptoms experienced by Turkish women and the risk factors that cause women to experience very severe menopausal symptoms. METHODS: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 435 women in menopause. The Personal Information Form and the Menopause Rating Scale were used to collect data. In logistic regression analysis, backward stepwise Wald binary logistic regression method was used. In the logistic regression analysis, there were 30 independent variables. The dependent variable was determined as the total MRS score. RESULTS: The mean score of the somatic symptoms sub-dimension was 3.14 ± 2.12, the mean score of the psychological symptoms sub-dimension was 10.11 ± 5.66, and the mean score of the urogenital symptoms sub-dimension was 3.58 ± 2.90. The total mean score of the Menopause Rating Scale was 16.83 ± 9.31. Menopausal age between 44 and 50 years old (OR = 10.681), having a chronic illness (OR = 6.432), having more than 5 pregnancies (OR = 5.372), and spouse's primary school or below education level (OR = 4.02) increase the severity of menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that healthcare professionals evaluate the symptoms of women in the menopause period to provide them with psychological and social support and to help the spouse and family cooperate with women in menopause in compliance with the process.

Quality of Life and Depression Conditions of Women with Gestational Diabetes during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period / Qualidade de vida e condições de depressão em mulheres com diabetes gestacional durante a gravidez e o período pós-parto

Abstract Objective The study was conducted to determine the quality of life and depression of women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Methods 100 pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 100 healthy pregnant women were included in the present study. Data were obtained from pregnant women in their third trimester who agreed to take part in the study. The data was collected during the third trimester and six to eight weeks after the baby was born. The data were obtained by socio-demographic characteristics form, postpartum data collection form, the MOS 36 Item Short Form Health Survey and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Results The mean age of pregnant women with gestational diabetes in the study was the same as the average age of healthy pregnant women. The CESD score of pregnant women with gestational diabetes was 26,77 ± 4,85 while the corresponding score was 25,19 ± 4,43 for healthy women. Additionally, the score in the postpartum period was 32.47 ± 5.94 for pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 35.47 ± 8.33 for healthy pregnant women. CESD scores were found to be higher than the cut-off score of 16 in both groups, and the mean scores increased during the postpartum period. Conclusion During the postpartum period, the quality of life of pregnant women with gestational diabetes was affected more negatively than healthy pregnant women. Depressive symptoms of women with both gestational diabetes and healthy pregnancy were found to be high in pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Resumo Objetivo O estudo foi realizado para determinar a qualidade de vida e depressão de mulheres com diabetes gestacional durante a gravidez e período pós-parto. Métodos 100 gestantes com diabetes gestacional e 100 gestantes saudáveis incluídas no presente estudo. Os dados foram obtidos de mulheres grávidas no terceiro trimestre que concordaram em participar do estudo. Os dados foram coletados durante o terceiro trimestre e seis a oito semanas após o nascimento do bebê. Os dados foram obtidos por meio do formulário de características sociodemográficas formulário de coleta de dados pós-parto MOS 36 Item Short Form Health Survey e Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Resultados A idade média das gestantes com diabetes gestacional no estudo foi igual à idade média das gestantes saudáveis. O escore CESD de gestantes com diabetes gestacional foi de 26 77 ± 4 85 enquanto o escore correspondente foi de 25 19 ± 4 43 para mulheres saudáveis. Além disso o escore no pós-parto foi de 32 47 ± 5 94 para gestantes com diabetes gestacional e 35 47 ± 8 33 para gestantes saudáveis. Os escores do CESD foram maiores do que o ponto de corte de 16 em ambos os grupos e os escores médios aumentaram durante o período pós-parto. Conclusão Durante o período pós-parto a qualidade de vida de gestantes com diabetes gestacional foi mais afetada negativamente do que gestantes saudáveis. Os sintomas depressivos de mulheres com diabetes gestacional e gravidez saudável foram elevados na gravidez e nos períodos pós-parto.

Lower urinary system symptoms and affecting factors in female students staying in a dormitory.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the lower urinary system symptoms and the factors affecting it among young women living in the dormitory. METHODS: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. A total of 355 women attending education in a public university were interviewed, considering a 95% confidence interval. Data were collected using the descriptive form and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Scale. Necessary permissions were obtained, and appropriate analyses were carried out using the SPSS-22 program. RESULTS: Findings showed that 71.6% of women have problems with urine storage, 29.7% have urinating disorders, 18.4% have urinary incontinence, 8.8% have sexual life problems, and 37.2% have symptoms related to quality of life. Factors affecting the symptoms include history of chronic disease (such as neurological diseases and depression), smoking, low income, history of urinary incontinence in childhood, the presence of symptoms in the mother or family history, the presence and number of urinary tract infections, chronic constipation, and not paying attention to toilet cleaning. CONCLUSION: It is recommended to carry out community-based studies to raise awareness of women, support priority risk groups by screening, and increase the number of specialist healthcare personnel for quality care and treatment.

Lower urinary system symptoms and affecting factors in female students staying in a dormitory

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the lower urinary system symptoms and the factors affecting it among young women living in the dormitory. METHODS: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. A total of 355 women attending education in a public university were interviewed, considering a 95% confidence interval. Data were collected using the descriptive form and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Scale. Necessary permissions were obtained, and appropriate analyses were carried out using the SPSS-22 program. RESULTS: Findings showed that 71.6% of women have problems with urine storage, 29.7% have urinating disorders, 18.4% have urinary incontinence, 8.8% have sexual life problems, and 37.2% have symptoms related to quality of life. Factors affecting the symptoms include history of chronic disease (such as neurological diseases and depression), smoking, low income, history of urinary incontinence in childhood, the presence of symptoms in the mother or family history, the presence and number of urinary tract infections, chronic constipation, and not paying attention to toilet cleaning. CONCLUSION: It is recommended to carry out community-based studies to raise awareness of women, support priority risk groups by screening, and increase the number of specialist healthcare personnel for quality care and treatment.

Exposure to domestic violence in women living in Istanbul and Aegean regions: a Turkish sample.

Domestic violence (DV) is a serious public health problem in the world. DV against women is also a global problem without cultural, geographic, religious, social, economic or national boundaries. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the situations of DV in women living in Istanbul and the Aegean Region in Turkey. The study population included outpatient clinics of state hospitals both regions. A stratified sampling by age was performed and 1100 women were included into the sample. Data were collected at face-to-face interviews with Domestic Violence Against Women Determination Scale. The mean age of the women living in Istanbul was 41.81 ± 9.75 years and Aegean Region was 33.72 ± 11.38 years. The prevalence of emotional and financial violence were higher in Istanbul and the Aegean Region. The women living in Istanbul got higher scores for Domestic Violence Against Women Determination Scale. The prevalence of the women reporting to suffer from violence from their spouses was 15.4% in Istanbul and 14% in the Aegean Region. While the prevalence of the women suffering from violence was higher in Istanbul, the women in Aegean Region suffered from more severe violence. The violence prevalence was lower among the wives and the husbands with high education levels, employed women and high-income families.

Does the diabetes of type 2 affect the sexual functions of women?

This study aimed to investigate female sexual dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes. Using the Index of Female Sexual Function, the authors compared the sexual function of type 2 diabetic women with that of nondiabetic women. Participants were 76 sexually active women with type 2 diabetes (study group) and 100 sexually active nondiabetic women (control group); all women were 24-47 years of age and had similar backgrounds. The participants with type 2 diabetes were selected from those women who applied to the Diabetes Polyclinic of the Istanbul University. Results were analyzed using chi-square and Student's t test. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was significantly higher among the study group than in the control group. The authors found that if HbA1c, body mass index, and duration of diabetes increase, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction also increases. The authors of this article conclude that all diabetic patients should be considered to have sexuality, and patients with sexual dysfunction should be referred to appropriate medical centers.

The Effects of Menorrhagia on Women's Quality of Life: A Case-Control Study.

Objective. The purpose of this study is to identify menstruation characteristics of the women and the effects of menorrhagia on women's quality of life. Methods. The study was designed as a descriptive, case-control one. Results. Of the women in the case group, 10.9% stated that their menstrual bleeding was severe and very severe before complaints while 73.2% described bleeding as severe or very severe after complaints. Among those who complained about menorrhagia, 46.7% pointed that they used hygienic products that are more protective than regular sanitary pads. Women also stated that their clothes, bed linens, and furniture got dirty parallel to the severity of the bleeding. In all subscales of SF-36 scale, quality of life of the women in the menorrhagia group was significantly lower than the ones in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Menorrhagia has negative effects on women's quality of life. Therefore, quality of life of the women consulting the clinics with menorrhagia complaint should be investigated and effective approaches should be designed.

Effects of perinatal loss on current pregnancy in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate how a history of pregnancy loss in the perinatal period (from 20 weeks of gestation to seven days post partum) affects women during subsequent pregnancies. DESIGN: cross-sectional, descriptive study. SETTING: Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University between January and October 2009. PARTICIPANTS: 128 pregnant women with a history of pregnancy loss and 214 pregnant women without a history of pregnancy loss. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: in all women, antenatal attachment was measured using the Prenatal Attachment Inventory, depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies' Depression Scale, and coping with stress was measured using the Scale of Ways of Coping with Stress. The rates of undergoing tests (other than routine tests) (p<0.001), calling medical professionals (p<0.001) and visiting an obstetrician more than once per month (p<0.001) were higher in women with a history of pregnancy loss compared with women without a history of pregnancy loss. No difference was found between the groups in terms of coping with stress (p>0.05) and antenatal attachment (p=0.384). However, depressive symptoms were higher in women with a history of pregnancy loss (p=0.008). KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: levels of depression, antenatal attachment and coping with stress should be evaluated meticulously in women with a history of pregnancy loss, and appropriate interventions should be performed.

Turkish adaptation of the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12): a validation and reliability study.

AIM: The purpose of this methodological study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of a Turkish adaptation of the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12) used in assessing sexuality function in women with POP/UI. METHODS: The PISQ-12 was translated into Turkish; the adaptation of the PISQ-12 to Turkish language was performed via back-translation, the content validity of the questionnaire was conducted by experts in the field, test-retest reliability was examined with 40 women with UI and/or POP. PISQ-12 was administered to 120 women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The reliability and validity of the PISQ-12 were analyzed. Evaluation of the data was performed using Content Validity Index (CVI), Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability, item total correlation, and confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: CVI of the Turkish PISQ-12 was found 1.00 (% 100). Item-total correlations were between 0.42 and 0.68 (P < 0.001). The PISQ-12 had an adequate and high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.74) as well as a high test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.961; P < 0.001). Factor analysis results revealed strong construct validity. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the PISQ-12 is a reliable, consistent and valid instrument to assess sexual function in women with urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse. It is also a comprehensive and easily applicable instrument which as a treatment outcome or research tool in clinical practices.

Women's Preferences of Method of Delivery and Influencing Factors.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the rate of caesarean section has been substantially increased in developing and developed countries. To determine the factors causing such an increase, it is important to determine reasons for women to refuse vaginal delivery and preferring caesarean section. OBJECTIVES: To determine Turkish women's attitudes and basal knowledge regarding vaginal delivery and caesarean section, as well as factors causing women to prefer caesarean section even when a medical indication does not exist. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This descriptive study consisted of 840 women, completing the questionnaire developed by the researchers. RESULTS: Mean age rate of participants was 39.8 ± 11.8 years. The most significant reasons of vaginal delivery preferred by participants (n = 685) were determined to be healthy and swift recovery period after delivery, whereas those preferred by participants (n=155) for caesarean section were being safer for babies, easier than vaginal delivery and a less painful method. Higher educational status, pregnancy after infertility treatment and undergoing caesarean section for the last delivery were determined to be among important factors affecting to choose caesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: Information gained misleadingly and fears related to vaginal delivery were seen as factors affecting women's preferences for delivery. Thus, midwives are required to train both pregnant women during antenatal care and all women in society about methods of delivery and to give effective counseling.

Development and psychometric testing of the scales for measuring maternal satisfaction in normal and caesarean birth.

OBJECTIVE: to develop a scale to measure maternal satisfaction with birth to evaluate women's experiences in labour and the early postpartum period. DESIGN: development and psychometric assessment of a multidimensional maternal satisfaction questionnaire. SETTING: maternity unit of a university hospital in Istanbul. PARTICIPANTS: 500 healthy postpartum women. METHODS: five steps were taken in development of the scale: literature review, generating item pool, content validity testing, administration of draft scale and psychometric testing. Two versions of the scale were developed: the Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction-normal birth and the Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction-caesarean birth. Content validity was evaluated by experts. The appropriate draft scale and the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale were administered to postpartum women before hospital discharge. FINDINGS: content validity index scores for the vaginal and caesarean birth scales were 0.91 and 0.89, respectively. Item-total and subscale-total scores correlated significantly for each scale. Evaluation of construct validity through factor analysis yielded 10 subscales: 'perception of health professionals', 'nursing/midwifery care in labour (in caesarean version: preparation for caesarean)', 'comforting', 'information and involvement in decision making', 'meeting baby', 'postpartum care', 'hospital room', 'hospital facilities', 'respect for privacy' and 'meeting expectations'. Both scales had good internal reliability, with Cronbach's α coefficients of 0.91. The scales established their convergent validity with significant correlations with the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale. CONCLUSION: the scales are valid and reliable tools for evaluating Turkish women's experiences in labour and the early postpartum period. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: the scales can contribute to the assessment of women's satisfaction with different aspects of care, the quality of care and developments in maternity services.

Biopsychosocial risk factors for preterm birth and postpartum emotional well-being: a case-control study on Turkish women without chronic illnesses.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine bio-psycho-social risk factors for preterm birth in a sample of Turkish women without chronic illnesses and evaluate their anxiety and depression in early postpartum period. BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is a devastating event with long-term health and social implications. Studies have identified several risk factors; however, the contribution of these causes differs by ethnic groups. DESIGN: This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Istanbul over one year. In total, 149 preterm mothers were included in the case group and 150 term mothers who delivered in the same day with a case group woman were included in the control group. Chronic illnesses and anomalies were excluded. METHOD: Data were gathered using a form that addressed risk factors for preterm birth. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Beck Depression Inventory and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered within 24-72 hours after birth. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis revealed that partner's lower education (≤ 8 years), history of preterm birth, antenatal hospitalisation, genitourinary infection and irregular prenatal care were significant risk factors. Perceived social support from family and friends were significantly lower in preterm group. Preterm mothers experienced significantly more anxiety and depressive symptoms in early postpartum. CONCLUSION: Many of the socio-economical and obstetric causes of preterm births were similar to other countries with higher preterm birth rates. Preterm births were associated with lower social support along with more anxiety and depressive symptoms in early postpartum. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Women who have established risk factors can be targeted for more intensive antenatal care for the prevention of preterm birth. Increased maternal anxiety and depression reveal the necessity of emotional support immediately after birth.

Use of alcoholic beverages and other psychoactive substances among women in Turkey: medical, biological, and social consequences. A pilot study.

This research was planned for determining the genitourinary health problems of alcohol and other psychoactive substance-dependent women. This research was conducted using a descriptive method at the Alcohol-Substance Research, Treatment and Education Center (ASRTEC). The research sample comprised 126 women who presented at ASRTEC clinic between September 15, 2006 and March 15, 2007, and were diagnosed as being alcohol/drug dependent according to DSM-IV. The data were collected using an Addicted Women's Genitourinary Health Evaluation Form and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale. In this study 37.3% of the women were alcohol dependent and 62.7% were substance dependent. It was determined that alcohol and other psychoactive substance-dependent women experience a high rate of genitourinary health problems, such as unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners, irregular menstrual cycles, sexual dysfunction, unwanted pregnancies, and abortions.

Quality of life and sexual functioning in gynecological cancer patients: results from quantitative and qualitative data.

AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to determine the quality of life levels of patients with gynecologic cancer and to find out the problems that affect their quality of life and sexual functioning. METHODS: The research was carried out at the gynecologic oncology clinics of Istanbul University. The data were collected using The Quality of Life-Cancer Survivors (QOL-CS) Instrument with 100 survivors. Moreover, semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out with 30 of these 100 subjects focusing on their sexual life. KEY RESULTS: Overall QOL for this sample was moderate (X=4.83+/-1.09) and gynecologic cancer and treatment procedures caused important problems that had a negative effect on physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of quality of life. In addition, it was found that treatment procedures assault a potential fourfold on sexual health, body image, gender role functioning (femininity), sexual functioning and fertility. CONCLUSION: Gynecologic cancer and treatment procedures cause important problems that have a negative effect on quality of life and sexual functioning is particularly impaired, being an important element of quality of life.

Overview of the social impact of urinary incontinence with a focus on Turkish women.

Although urinary incontinence is a common problem among women and can seriously affect their quality of life, more than half of women report no discomfort with the disorder, and most do not seek medical help. In Turkey, women traditionally prefer not to seek medical advice for a urinary incontinence problem. Except for treatment-seeking behaviors, women practice coping methods for the management of urinary incontinence. The problem of urinary incontinence has been gaining more importance in recent years, and nurses' roles and responsibilities have been increased in this area. Consequently, there have been developments in Turkey related to the education of nurses.

Risk factors for endometrial cancer in Turkish women: results from a hospital-based case-control study.

PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between risk factors and endometrial cancer in Turkish women. METHODS AND SAMPLE: In a hospital-based case-control study conducted in Istanbul, 285 patients with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer were compared with 1050 controls, admitted to the different departments of the same hospital. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained from multivariate logistic regression analysis, fitted by the method of maximum likelihood. KEY RESULTS: Risk factors for endometrial cancer were found to be the state of lower education (OR=2.53, 5% CI: 1.41-4.54), history of hypertension or diabetes (OR=3.26, 95% CI: 2.21-4.80), (OR=3.56, 95% CI: 2.02-6.27), lower parity (OR=3.89, 95% CI: 2.60-5.82), early menarche age (OR=9.43, 95% CI: 5.35-16.62) and HRT use (OR=2.66, 5% CI: 1.40-5.06). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our results are supportive of the hypothesis that having a history of chronic disease, lower parity, early menarche and use of HRT were increased-risk factors but negative family history of cancer was decreased-risk factor for endometrial cancer.

Urinary incontinence (UI) and quality of life (QoL) of the elderly residing in residential homes in Turkey.

The objective of this study was to evaluate urinary incontinence (UI) and its effect on the quality of life (QoL) of older people dwelling in residential homes in Turkey. A cross-sectional study was applied in residential homes. A total of 1110 people older than 60 years residing in five selected residential homes were studied. An interview was conducted with the residents who had sufficient cognitive function and agreed to participate. The QoL and the mental and the functional state of the residents were analyzed using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Rankin Scale, respectively: Of the total pool, 694 residents were included in the study of which 56.48% (n=392) were female and 43.52% (n=302) were male. UI was present in 170 women and 63 men. Pad usage was more common in women (88%) than that in men (29.1%). The QoL subdimensions showed that women had higher scores than men. Urge UI (UUI) had more impact on the QoL than that on functional, mixed or stress incontinence. We concluded that UI negatively affects the QoL of older people living in residential homes. In particular, women and patients suffering from UUI are more severely affected.