Knowledge, Fear, and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to evaluate pregnant women's knowledge, fear, and anxiety levels during the coronavirus outbreak. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 170 pregnant women between May 20 and July 10, 2020. Data collection form for demographics and obstetric details, questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward COVID-19, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I were used. The vast majority of pregnant women were afraid of being infected with the COVID-19 and causing mother-to-baby transmission. A positive correlation was found between fear of coronavirus transmission and the level of anxiety (p < .05). Risk perceptions regarding COVID-19 have affected the anxiety and knowledge levels of pregnant women. Based on the findings, knowledge levels, concerns, and fears about the risk of COVID-19 exposure have implications on the anxiety levels of pregnant women. Pregnant women experienced high stress and anxiety levels due to increased risk of COVID-19 transmission during face-to-face antenatal visits.

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.

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in nurses and civil servants working at a hospital: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in women and can interrupt daily living activities of the individuals. The study aimed at determining the LUTS prevalence and the influencing factors in nurses and civil servants working at a hospital. METHODS: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 158 female nurses and 105 female civil servants. The data were obtained with a data collection form and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms-Short Form. RESULTS: This paper exposes that the prevalence of at least one LUTS was 94.2% in nurses and 97.1% in civil servants. The most common LUTS symptoms of nurses and civil servants were urgency (60.1% nurses, 81.9% civil servants) and urge incontinence (59.5% nurses, 81.9% civil servants). Nurses (60.8%) expressed significantly higher rates of having inadequate time going to the toilet due to their work conditions compared to the civil servants (41.9%) (p<0.05). BFLUTS-SF scores in terms of age, BMI, parity, having cesarean and vaginal delivery and urinary incontinence in their previous pregnancies were compared between two groups, statistically significant differences were found (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Workplace conditions of the health workers should be reorganizing to have healthy urinary habits for preventing them from the development of LUTS.

Anxiety, depression, and knowledge level in postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess anxiety, depression, and knowledge level in postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 212 postpartum women using a web-based online survey in Ankara, Turkey. FINDINGS: The prevalence of depression was 34.0%. The mean anxiety and COVID-19 knowledge scores were 42.69 ± 9.93 and 9.69 ± 1.94, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the anxiety scores and depression status (p < 0.001) of women. There were statistically significant differences between fear about being infected with COVID-19 for themselves (p = 0.01) and for babies (p = 0.01) and the postpartum depression (PPD). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, early detection and appropriate and timely intervention to prevent and detect anxiety and PPD are crucial to the well-being of a woman.

Analysis of the effects of high-fidelity simulation on nursing students' perceptions of their preparedness for disasters.

INTRODUCTION: As disasters may occur any time, health care staff and institutions should be prepared to manage these events. The aim of study is to analyze the effects of high-fidelity simulation on the perceptions of senior nursing students regarding their preparedness for disasters. METHODS: This study used a pretest-posttest design and was conducted as a quasi-experimental investigation. RESULTS: Slightly less than the half of the students (42.5%) expressed that they were prepared to face a disaster. There was a statistically significant difference in their scores on the Scale of Perception of Disaster Preparedness among Nurses between the pre-intervention and postdisaster stage (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Supporting simulation activities with drills positively affected nurses' perceptions of disasters.

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.

Learning Needs of Gynecologic Cancer Survivors.

To define the learning needs of patients with gynecological oncology. The study was performed as a descriptive study. A total of 92 patients were participated. Data were collected using Patient Learning Needs Scale (PLNS). The Pearson correlation test, independent sample t test, and analysis of one-way of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's-B post hoc tests were used for statistical analyses by the SPSS 15.0 software package. The mean age of women's was 50.37 ± 12.20 years. The women's diagnoses were cervical (45.7 %), ovarian (27.2 %), and endometrial (19.6 %) cancers. The most frequently stated learning needs topics were coping with pain (47.8 %), daily living activities (46.2 %), and psychological support (44.6 %). The mean PLNS score of women was 212.56 ± 35.83. The mean subscales scores of PLNS were 34.06 ± 7.29 for medicines, 38.34 ± 6.74 for daily living activities, and 24.68 ± 5.41 for community subscales. Women who graduated from elementary school needed more education than the women with higher education (p < 0.001). Learning needs level of the women are high and related to increase quality of life, medicine usage, complications of treatment, skin problems, pain management, and supportive care. As a healthcare professional, we should plan and develop educational programs in order to adequately inform patients about their learning needs.

Knowledge Level and Educational Needs of Turkish Oncology Nurses Regarding the Genetics of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated Turkish oncology nurses' knowledge and educational needs regarding genetics of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. METHOD: An online survey was used to collect data from 104 Turkish oncology nurses. RESULTS: The mean level of knowledge in oncology genetics was 6.74 ± 3.85. The majority of nurses (78.7%) were aware of the fact that family history of ovarian or breast cancer is an important risk factor for ovarian or breast cancer; however, a much smaller percentage (25.5%) understood that BRCA1 mutations in women can be transferred by the father. The majority of the nurses (59.6%) were willing to take continuing education in cancer genetics. CONCLUSION: Turkish oncology nurses have a moderate level of knowledge in cancer genetics. Therefore, educators should develop targeted educational activities in genetics as a part of continuing education programs to enhance nursing practice in cancer care. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(12):570-576.

Quality of life in climacteric Turkish women with urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health problem and negatively affects the quality of life of women who are afflicted. The aim of the study is to explore the prevalence and risk factors of UI among climacteric Turkish women and to examine the effects of UI on their quality of life. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 258 women aged 40-64 years who visited the outpatient clinic in Ankara, Turkey, between 15 June 2012 and 15 January 2013. The data were collected using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire. This paper reveals that the overall prevalence of UI was 45.3%. Stress UI, mixed UI, and urge UI were reported by 54.7%, 22.2%, and 10.3% of the subjects, respectively. The proportion of women suffering from UI who seek medical treatment was low despite mild or moderate negative effect impacts on their quality of life. Increasing women's awareness of UI and protective measures is essential, and standard UI assessment should be added to all patient examinations.

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.

Turkish Senior Nursing Students' Communication Experience With English-Speaking Patients.

BACKGROUND: Simulation has been widely accepted as a valuable learning method in nursing education programs so that nursing students can learn and develop communication skills. The aim of this study was to evaluate nursing students' communication experience with an English-speaking standardized patient in the context of the Rational Administration of Medicines course. METHOD: Involving both quantitative and qualitative research designs, this descriptive study was conducted with 104 nursing students in Ankara, Turkey, from September 2012 to July 2013. RESULTS: The majority (98.1%) of the participants stated the necessity of improving their English to communicate with English-speaking patients. Three overarching categories, including seven themes, emerged from the description of nursing students' experience: recognition of emotions, experiences during the simulation, and gains. CONCLUSION: Standardized patient practice emphasized the significance of cultural differences, of knowing and using a foreign language, of communication, and of patient safety.