The effects of playing digital games on children's pain, fear, and anxiety levels during suturing: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine the effects of digital game play on children's pain, fear, and anxiety levels during suturing. METHODS: Data were obtained from 84 children between the ages of 8 and 17 years at the pediatric emergency department between January 16 and March 19, 2020, using the Socio-Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Form, the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Fear of Medical Procedures Scale (FMPS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-CH). A four-block randomization system was used. The study group (n = 42) played digital games during the suturing procedure, unlike the control group (n = 42). Ethical permissions were obtained from the ethical committee, hospital, and families. RESULTS: Before the suturing procedure, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups' mean scores. The intervention group was found to have statistically significantly lower WBFPS and VAS pain scores than the control group during the suturing procedure, and after the procedure, statistically significantly lower WBFPS, VAS, FMPS, and STAI-CH mean scores than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The digital game-playing approach applied before and during the suture procedure was found to be effective in reducing children's pain, fear, and anxiety levels.

The Effect of Selected Risk Factors on Perioperative Pressure Injury Development.

Patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures are at high risk for developing pressure injuries. This study aimed to determine the incidence of perioperative pressure injuries in patients who underwent procedures lasting two hours or more in Turkey and the risk factors that affect the development of pressure injuries. Data were collected during the perioperative period. The incidence of perioperative pressure injuries was 40.4%. The results of univariate logistic regression analysis showed that intraoperative vasopressor use, skin turgor, and diastolic blood pressure less than or equal to 60 mm Hg were significantly related to the development of pressure injuries. There was no significant difference between patients who developed pressure injuries and patients who did not when comparing their preoperative Braden Scale scores. Perioperative nurses should assess each patient for pressure injury risk and perform interventions to prevent pressure injuries during each stage of the patient's perioperative course.

Breast cancer risk and early diagnosis applications in Turkish women aged 50 and over.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine breast cancer risk and early diagnosis applications in women aged ≥50. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive field study focused on a population of 4,815 in Mansurog?lu with a 55.1% participation rate in screening. In the study, body mass index (BMI) was also evaluated in the calculation of breast cancer risk by the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRA) (also called the "Gail Risk Assessment Tool") . The interviewers had a three-hour training provided by the researchers, during which interactive training methods were used and applications were supported with role-plays. RESULTS: The mean age of the women participating in the study was 60.1±8.80. Of these women, 57.3% were in the 50-59 age group, 71.7% were married, 57.3% were primary school graduates and 61.7% were housewives. Breast-cancer development rate was 7.4% in the women participating in the study. When they were evaluated according to their relationship with those with breast cancer, it was determined that 73.0% of them had first- degree relatives with breast cancer. According to the assessment based on the Gail method, the women's breast cancer development risk within the next 5 years was 17.6%, whereas their calculated lifetime risk was found to be as low as 0.2%. Statistically significant differences (P=0.000) were determined between performing BSE - CBE and socio-demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that 17.6% of the participants had breast cancer risk. There was no statistically significant difference between the women with and without breast cancer risk in terms of early diagnosis practices, which can be regarded as a remarkable finding. It was planned to provide training about the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer for people with high-risk scores, and to conduct population-based breast cancer screening programs.

Evaluation of quality of life of breast cancer patient next- of-kin in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Quality of life (QoL) issues are of importance in relatives of women with breast cancer (BC)as caregivers in neglecting their own needs due to care of a patient and also as women regarding the potential risk of themselves developing BC. The objectives in the present study were to compare the QoL of female relatives of women in treatment for breast cancer. To date, no study had examined multi-dimensional QoL in accompanying people as compared them into two groups of female relatives whose first degree and second degree. METHODS: QoL of female relatives was assessed using the Quality of Life-Family Version (QOL-FV) scale. Relationships between socio-demographic characteristics and QoL scores were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis and Crosstabs tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the female relatives was 37.6 years, and nearly 48% had a university education. It was found that first degree relatives had worse QoL in all domains except physical well- being than second degree relatives. CONCLUSION: This study showed that being female relatives of BC, especially first-degree, affect QoL negatively. Health care providers are of an important role in the stage of information related to genetic influence of BC.

Healing rate calculation in the diabetic foot ulcer: comparing different methods.

The determination of healing rate in the diabetic foot wound is an important assessment parameter that is part of the overall clinical decision-making process in wound treatment. A number of methods that have been used to calculate healing, ranging from length and width measurement, surface area measure changes expressed as a function of time and linear advancement of the wound edge. The objective of this study was to compare surface area measures to linear advancement of the wound edge in 228 diabetic foot ulcers. Each wound was measured using the two methods and analyzed using linear regression to determine the best modeling of the healing process in these wounds. Results indicated that the total surface area change per day was superior to the linear advancement parameter in this group of wounds and that the area measurement was significantly more likely to predict the healing trajectory in the subgroup of wounds that took more than 28 days to heal. Contrary to expectations, the linear advancement method was correlated to initial wound size in the longer duration wounds suggesting that in these chronic wounds, differing healing phases render the surface area calculation method superior to the linear advancement parameter.

Quality of life and sexual function of women with urinary incontinence.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the urinary incontinence (UI) types on the sexual function and quality of life (QOL) of women with UI and the correlation between sexual function and QOL. METHODS: The sample for this descriptive study was comprised of 122 women who presented to obstetrics and gynecology and urology outpatient clinics at university hospitals in Denizli and Izmir, Turkey, who had UI, who were sexually active, who volunteered to participate in the study, and who were chosen by a convenience sampling method. A sociodemographic data collection form, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) questionnaire were used for data collection in the study. RESULTS: The mixed type of incontinence had an effect on the women's quality of life, mixed and stress incontinence affected the FSFI's pain subscale, and the total sexual functioning score was lower for the women with mixed incontinence. Even though the correlation values were low, it was clear that there was a positive correlation between sexual function and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Among the incontinence types, a significant difference was determined by the FSFI and I-QOL. Urinary incontinence seems to be the predictor of sexual function and quality of life. As a result, a comprehensive assessment of patients with UI is recommended because this condition has a negative influence on their sexual function and quality of life.

Psychometric analysis of the Inventory of Functional Status--Cancer (IFS-CA) in Turkish women.

The aim of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Inventory of Functional Status- Cancer (IFS-CA). The questionnaire was composed of four subscales that measured to what extent a woman maintained her usual household and family, social and community, personal care, and occupational activities. Internal consistency reliability using average correlations for the subscale item to subscale total scores ranged from .21 to .97. Construct validity was accomplished by examination of subscale correlations, which ranged from -.10 to .70. The Turkish version of the IFS-CA is found to be psychometrically reliable and valid.

Why do men refuse prostate cancer screening? Demographic analysis in Turkey.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with a high incidence rates in Turkey. However, the early detection and diagnosis rates are considerably lower among Turkish men as compared with their counterparts in Western countries. This fact reflects a lack of awareness and fear of prostate cancer as well as low prevention activities. To reduce the disparities in prostate cancer survival, there is a great need to increase men's participation in screening programs. The present study was performed to assess why men do not seek screening or participate in screening programs, focusing on the demographics of men refusing a free screening program for prostate cancer.

Changes in functional status and physical and psychological symptoms in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

AIMS: This study was planned to determine whether there were changes in breast cancer women's functional status and presence of physical and psychological symptoms before and after chemotherapy. METHODS: The research sample comprised 101 women with breast cancer receiving oncology services at university hospitals (Pamukkale and Ege Universities) in two cities in western Turkey (Izmir and Denizli) who volunteered to participate in the study. The Patient and Medical Information Questionnaire, Symptoms List, and the Inventory of Functional Status-Cancer (IFS-CA) were used for data collection to determine the functional status. RESULTS: According to the IFS-CA in the examination of the women's functional status the after chemotherapy scores were lower and significantly different for household and family activities (p<0.0001), social and community activities (p<0.0001), personal care activities (p<0.0001) and occupational activities (p<0.003). Similarly there was also a statistically significant increase in presence of physical and psychological symptoms after chemotherapy, particularly affected the personal care activities subscale of the functional status inventory. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that worsening of the functional status of women with breast cancer was associated with chemotherapy and more physical and psychological discomforts were experienced.

Comparison of mediterranean, Western and Japanese diets and some recommendations.

During the past thousands of years, food systems, and thus human diets, have been and are shaped by climate, terrain, seasons, location, culture, and technology. In this context, many types of diet patterns have emerged. Nowadays, numerous epidemiological studies are being conducted in many countries in order to find relationships between empirically identified dietary factors and the occurrence of illnesses. Today, some dietary patterns are described as healthy eating models while others are generally qualified as unhealthy.

Importance of social support for functional status in breast cancer patients.

The role of social support in functional status to a diagnosis of cancer was examined in 84 patients with breast cancer. Multivariate techniques were used to assess the relationships among the dimensions of social support, as measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and functional status, assessed with the Inventory of the Functional Status Cancer (IFSA-CA). The results indicated significant independent associations between support and functional status outcomes, underscoring the importance of examining social support to evaluate functional status of patients. Nurses cognizant of breast cancer survivors challenges and concerns in areas of social support and are in a unique position to enhance functional status.

Psychosocial stressors, social support and socio-demographic variables as determinants of quality of life of Turkish breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of psychosocial stressors, social support and socio-demographic variables on quality of life of breast cancer patients. TOOLS AND METHODS: The study was conducted between December 2004 and May 2005 and included 101 patients, treated in the Oncology Departments of Ege and Pamukkale University Hospitals and Denizli State Hospital. Patients' demographic data were collected by questionnaire. The methods used in the interviews were the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Psychosocial stressors were classified according to life events using the DSM-IV multi-axial diagnostic system. RESULTS: It was found that increase of cancer stage triggers a decrease in psychological quality of life (p<0,05); overall global life quality (p<0,001), perceived social support and performance status (p<0,05), all of these being negatively affected by family stressors. The patients with increased social support, better psychological and overall quality of life (p<0,01) and younger age had more physical wellness besides overall quality of life (p<0,05); lower incomes negatively affected overall global life quality (p<0,01) and working at a job decreased the psychological stressors (p<0,05). CONCLUSION: From these results, it can be postulated that psychosocial stressors, social support and some socio-demographic variables mostly affected quality of life of the breast cancer patients.

Dance as a therapy for cancer prevention.

Even though the field of medicine has developed tremendously, the wide variety of cancer is still among chronic and life threatening disease today. Therefore, the specialists constantly research and try every possible way to find cure or preventive ways to stop its further development. For this reason, studies concerning the chronic disease such as cancer have been spread to many different fields. In this regard, many other alternative ways besides medicine, are used in prevention of cancer. Nutritional therapy, herbal therapy, sportive activities, art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, imagery, yoga and acupuncture can be given as examples. Among these, dance/movement therapy which deals with individuals physical, emotional, cognitive as well as social integration is widely used as a popular form of physical activity. The physical benefits of dance therapy as exercise are well documented. Studies have shown that physical activity is known to increase special neurotransmitter substances in the brain (endorphins), which create a state of well-being. And total body movement such as dance enhances the functions of other body systems, such as circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, and muscular systems. Regarding its unique connection to the field of medicine, many researches have been undertaken on the effects of dance/movement therapy in special settings with physical problems such as amputations, traumatic brain injury, and stroke, chronic illnesses such as anorexia, bulimia, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, AIDS, and arthritis. Today dance/movement therapy is a well recognized form of complementary therapy used in hospitals as well as at the comprehensive clinical cancer centres.

Knowledge of the effects of sun exposure of Turkish high school students and their sun bathing habits.

Cancer, long a serious problem in developed countries, is now becoming a serious health concern throughout the world. There has been an alarming increase in the number of new cases of melanoma each year, this cancer increasing at a faster rate than any other neoplasm in some regions. This may be a result of depletion of the ozone layer. An association between non-melanocytic skin cancer and exposure to the sun appears to have first been suggested in 1894; it was not until about 1952 that it was argued that exposure to the sun also causes melanoma. It is commonly believed that skin cancers develop only after long-term exposure to UVR. At the individual level, people who live in sunnier climates comparatively have a higher risk for skin cancer than do people who live in colder climates. This is particularly the case for migrant populations with a fair skin. The present study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of the young generation in Turkey related to the side effects of sun exposure, and their sun bathing habits. Sun sensitivity, use of sunscreens, sunbathing habits and protective behaviours were determined for a total of 1244 high school students from the answers to a questionnaire completed by them. Data from 627 (50.4 %) females and 617 (49.6 %) males were evaluated. All were aged between 15 and 18 years. Sunscreen use was found to be higher in female students (59 %) than in their male counterparts (45.8 %). The wearing of sunglasses was reported by 36.7 %, whereas the incidence of hat wear was found to be 55.1% overall. The results of this study indicate that, although most high school students are aware of the side effects of sun exposure, they do not pay sufficient attention to protective behaviour. A further study should now be conducted to evaluate the use of sunscreens in a large group.