Soothing venipuncture: Bubble blowing and ball squeezing in reducing anxiety, fear, and pain in children.

PROBLEM: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of bubble-blowing and ball-squeezing interventions on children's levels of anxiety, fear, and pain during venipuncture procedures. METHODS: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Out of 108 children aged 5-10 years, 72 were allocated to the two experimental groups, while 36 were assigned to the control group. The levels of anxiety, fear, and pain experienced by the children were assessed using the "Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale," "Child Anxiety Scale-State," and "Child Fear Scale," respectively. Intergroup comparisons were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, while intragroup comparisons were conducted using Wilks' Lambda analysis. FINDINGS: It was observed that 50% of the children in the control group, 47.2% in the bubble-blowing group, and 47.2% in the ball-queezing group did not receive information about the painful procedure. Anxiety, fear, and pain scores of all groups were statistically similar in the initial measurement without any intervention. Children in the bubble-blowing and ball-squeezing groups experienced lower anxiety, fear, and pain during and at the end of the painful procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The study discovered that interventions involving bubble blowing and ball squeezing significantly decreased children's levels of anxiety, fear, and pain both during and after intravenous procedures. Information on procedures, alongside interactive techniques like bubble blowing and ball squeezing, helps pediatric nurses calm children, easing anxiety, fear, and pain. Implementing these strategies enhances treatment experiences and confidence in healthcare.

Anxiety, depression, and support needs of the mothers of children with cerebral palsy and determining their opinions: Mixed methods study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the level of anxiety, depression, support needs and opinions of mothers of children with cerebral palsy. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study used a descriptive qualitative design. The population of the study consisted of children with cerebral palsy who were educated in special education centers in a province of Eastern Turkey. All participants who volunteered for the study were accepted and the study was completed with 126 mothers. RESULTS: Caregiver mothers with male cerebral palsy patients had higher carer support needs and anxiety total mean scores. The mean scores of depression and anxiety of the mothers who were older were statistically higher. This study found that mothers of children with diseases other than cerebral palsy had statistically higher mean depression scores. The mothers of child with cerebral palsy who had a high gross motor classification score had higher mean carer support needs, depression, and anxiety total scores. CONCLUSIONS: According to the study, depression and trait anxiety were linked to greater maternal support needs. Qualitative interviews revealed that mothers experienced issues such as stigmatization and withdrawal from social activities as a result of their children's illness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study shows the relationship of need for support of mothers of children with cerebral palsy and mental problems such as depression and trait anxiety. Pediatric nurses should provide emotional support to mothers and guide them towards support groups and training programs.

Ventriloquist intervention prepared with drama technique in reducing pain, anxiety and fear in children during invasive procedures.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a ventriloquist nursing intervention, incorporating drama techniques, on pain, anxiety, and fear experienced by children aged 5 to 10 years undergoing painful medical procedures. METHODS: This study was designed as a time-series randomized controlled trial. Data were collected from the outpatient units of a Pediatric Hospital in a province in eastern Turkey between 24 May 2023 and 28 October 2023. This study involving a total of 72 children. Pain, anxiety, and fear levels were assessed before, during, and after intravenous cannula insertion. RESULTS: Randomization ensured that both groups had similar demographics, with an average age of 7.50 ± 1.73 years and an equal distribution of gender. During the painful procedure, it was observed that both groups experienced an increase in pain, anxiety, and fear, though this increase was statistically less significant in the ventriloquist group. Ultimately, in the post-procedure period, children in the ventriloquist group exhibited lower levels of pain, anxiety, and fear compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that ventriloquist nursing interventions, utilizing drama techniques, can effectively reduce pain, anxiety, and fear in children undergoing painful medical procedures.

Determination of the relationship between depression and suicide in young adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to explore the relationships between depression, and the likelihood of suicide among young adolescents by considering various factors. DESIGN AND SAMPLES: It was conducted in a descriptive-cross-sectional format, with fieldwork spanning from November 16, 2022, to June 30, 2023. The study assessed the likelihood of depression, and suicide in young adolescents attending a university in Eastern Turkey. MEASUREMENTS: Sociodemographic features survey form, Beck's Depression Inventory and Suicide Probability Scale were used to collect data. RESULTS: The results from this investigation indicated that women, individuals with chronic illnesses, those with a history of psychiatric conditions, those expressing a constant desire to die, those with suicidal thoughts or plans, and those with a family member who had attempted suicide exhibited significantly higher mean scores for depression and suicide. There was a positive correlation between high depression scores and suicidal tendencies. However, no conclusive evidence of a link between depression, and suicide was established. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, certain demographic and psychological factors were identified as correlating with elevated levels of depression and suicidal tendencies among young adolescents. It is imperative that individuals identified as being at risk be promptly referred to appropriate units for comprehensive interventions and support.

Late-night eating and inactivity: Links to depression and suicide risk in adolescents living in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are all common during adolescence. This study aims to investigate the potential relationship between eating at night, physical activity, and depression/suicide risk in adolescents. METHODS: This study followed a cross-sectional descriptive design and involved collecting data from adolescents aged 13-18 years who attend four different high schools. The data collection was done through an online survey using Google Forms. Sociodemographic form, eating at night questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form), Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, and Suicide Probability Scale were used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed electronically using descriptive statistics and correlation tests to examine relationships between different parameters. RESULTS: The study revealed significant associations between academic achievement, daily sleep duration, and daily walking distance with depression and suicide probability (p < 0.05) among the participants. Adolescents who consumed food after 10 pm exhibited higher depression and suicide probability scores than their counterparts (p < 0.05). Additionally, an analysis of physical activity levels demonstrated that highly active adolescents had lower depression and suicide probability scores. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study suggests that there is a significant relationship between eating at night, physical activity, and depression/suicide risk in adolescents. Specifically, academic success, daily sleep duration, daily walking distance, and eating habits were found to be associated with depression and suicide probability. Encouraging physical activity and healthy eating habits, particularly avoiding eating late at night, may be beneficial in reducing the risk of depression and suicide among adolescents.

An Exaggeration? Reality?: Can ChatGPT Be Used in Neonatal Nursing?

Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a system endowed with the ability to derive meaningful inferences from a diverse array of datasets. Rooted in the advancements of machine learning models, AI has spawned various transformative technologies such as deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. This technological evolution is poised to witness a broadened spectrum of applications across diverse domains, with a particular focus on revolutionizing healthcare services. Noteworthy among these innovations is OpenAI's creation, ChatGPT, which stands out for its profound capabilities in intricate analysis, primarily facilitated through extensive language modeling. In the realm of healthcare, AI applications, including ChatGPT, have showcased promising outcomes, especially in the domain of neonatal nursing. Areas such as pain assessment, feeding processes, and patient status determination have witnessed substantial enhancements through the integration of AI technologies. However, it is crucial to approach the deployment of such applications with a judicious mindset. The accuracy of the underlying data must undergo rigorous validation, and any results lacking a solid foundation in scientific insights should be approached with skepticism. The paramount consideration remains patient safety, necessitating that AI applications, like ChatGPT, undergo thorough scrutiny through controlled and evidence-based studies. Only through such meticulous evaluation can the transformative potential of AI be harnessed responsibly, ensuring its alignment with the highest standards of healthcare practice.

Have the effects of Covid-19 been overcome? Levels of Covid-19 fear, Covid-19 anxiety and hopelessness in young adolescents: A structural equation modeling.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to determine the level of fear, anxiety, and hopelessness of Covid-19 in young adolescents' post Covid-19 period. DESIGN AND SAMPLES: Young adolescents in the 17-24 age group were included in this study, which was conducted in a descriptive-cross-sectional design. MEASUREMENTS: Sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire form and Coronavirus (Covid-19) Fear Scale, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and Beck Hopelessness Scale were used to collect data. RESULTS: 90.8% of the participants had been vaccinated, 26.9% had previously caught in Covid-19, and 10.3% of those who had been caught in the disease had a severe course. 10.7% of young adolescents had to take medicines, 56.4% had a family history of Covid-19, and 18.7% had lost a relative as a result of Covid-19, was found. The level of fear, anxiety and hopelessness was higher among women, first-grade students, those who did not receive the Covid-19 vaccine, those who have caught in Covid-19 before, and those who have lost a family due to Covid-19. CONCLUSION: It is thought that the increase in the awareness level of young adolescents about Covid-19 improves preventive health behaviors and enables the development of positive behaviors related to the disease.

The relationship of spiritual orientation and caregiver burden of caregiver mothers with a child with cerebral palsy in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to examine the association between spiritual orientation and the caregiving burden experienced by mothers of children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Parents of 181 children with cerebral palsy, aged 0-18, participated in this cross-sectional-descriptive study. "Sociodemographic Form," "Spiritual Orientation Scale," "Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale," and "Gross Motor Function Classification System" were used to collect data. RESULTS: The mothers who participated in the study had a mean age of 35.74 ± 5.94 years. The study showed that 17.1% of children with cerebral palsy did not receive special education, and 92.8% of them were born with a disability. Additionally, 62.4% of the children were found to be undernourished, 48.6% had irregular oral care, 43.1% had semi-active activity, 65.7% had irregular sleeping patterns, and 50.8% only partially understood what was stated. The study discovered that as mothers' ages increased, their spiritual orientation decreased, and their burden of caring increased. Furthermore, the mothers of children with severe disabilities had an increasing burden of care, as indicated by the gross motor classification. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that mothers with higher spiritual orientation scores perceived less care burden. These findings suggest the need for implementing activities to provide moral support to mothers.

Goldfish or aquatic turtle? Impact of two animal assisted interventions on children's pain, anxiety, and fear during IV catheterization: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effect of goldfish and aquatic turtle nursing interventions on children's pain, anxiety, and fear during IV catheter insertion. DESIGN AND METHODS: The randomized controlled trial included 98 children (control group = 32, goldfish group = 33, aquatic turtle group = 33) aged 5-6 years, attending outpatient clinic for blood sampling and catheterisation procedures. Pain was measured using the Wong Baker Facial Pain Scale, anxiety was measured using the Child Anxiety Scale-State, and child fear was measured using the Child Fear Scale, before, during, and after catheterization. RESULTS: When analyzing the pain, anxiety, and fear findings, no statistical difference was found between the scores of the mother, child, and researcher before the procedure. During the catheterization procedure, the pain, anxiety, and fear scores of the children in the fish and turtle groups increased statistically less than those in the control group. When analyzing the post-procedure findings, the pain, anxiety, and fear scores of the control group were similar to those before the procedure. In the fish and turtle groups, anxiety and fear scores were statistically the lowest (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that animal-assisted practices reduce anxiety and fear during and after the catheterization procedures while diverting attention from pain. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Goldfish or aquatic turtle intervention improve children's attitudes toward pain, anxiety, and fear during IV catheter insertion. Pediatric nurses could consider incorporating, such as the animal assisted intervention, into their clinical practice to reduce the pain, anxiety, and fear experienced by children during medical/nursing procedures.

The associations of parental attitudes and peer bullying with alexithymia in adolescents: A structural equality model.

AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between parental attitude and peer bullying and alexithymia in adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with adolescents aged 13-18 years within high schools in eastern Turkey. Cluster sampling method was applied, and the study was completed within four high schools determined by random selection method. Sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire form, Peer Bullying Scale Adolescent Form, and Twenty-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) were used to collect the data. RESULTS: Among the adolescents, 52% were female, 60% had a medium income level, 25.3% were in the 11th grade, 83% were living with their parents, 7.4% had chronic illnesses, 9.2% had psychiatric illnesses, 25.3% had suicidal thoughts, 10.1% engaged in suicidal behavior, and 25.3% used TV, smartphones, or tablets for 3-4 h a day. Rejecting and indifferent parental attitudes were found to be a possible risk factor for alexithymia, bullying and victimization. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the connections between parental attitudes, peer bullying, and alexithymia in adolescents. By targeting positive parental attitudes and addressing peer interactions, nurses can effectively contribute to reducing the risk of alexithymia. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Through collaboration with parents, nurses can establish supportive environments that nurture emotional understanding. Remaining attentive to risk factors, such as chronic illnesses and mental health issues in adolescents, empowers nurses to offer timely support or referrals. Partnerships with educators further enhance emotional awareness and encourage positive peer relationships.

SuperKid makes it easier: Effect of an intervention prepared with cognitive behavioral technique on reducing fear and pain of children during intravenous insertion.

PURPOSE: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral SuperKid intervention, in reducing fear and pain among children undergoing intravenous insertion in outpatient services. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial, with 96 children aged 5-7 years. SuperKid intervention employed cognitive-behavioral techniques, implemented through a set of prepared cards. Fear was assessed using the Child Fear Scale, while pain status was measured using the Wong Baker Face Pain Scale. Scoring was performed by the mother, child, and researcher. Time series tests were conducted using the Wilks Lambda test. RESULTS: Most children in both the experimental and control groups reported fear regarding hospital procedures, particularly those involving pain and separation from their mothers. However, children in the experimental group who underwent the SuperKid intervention during and after IV insertion procedure experienced significantly less fear and pain than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: SuperKid intervention was found to be effective in reducing the procedural fear and pain of children undergoing intravenous insertion in outpatient services. The utilization of cognitive-behavioral techniques through a set of prepared cards provides an accessible and engaging means of alleviating negative emotional experiences among children undergoing medical/nursing procedures. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: SuperKid intervention can potentially improve children's attitudes toward medical care and make future procedures easier for them. Healthcare providers could consider incorporating cognitive-behavioral interventions, such as the SuperKid intervention, into their clinical practice to reduce the fear and pain experienced by children during medical/nursing procedures.

The relationship of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and WhatsApp/Telegram with loneliness and anger of adolescents living in Turkey: A structural equality model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship of social media with loneliness and anger levels of adolescents living in Turkey. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. Loneliness and anger were measured with "University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale" and "Adolescent Anger Rating Scale". Data collection forms were prepared on Google Form and form' link was sent to adolescents. RESULTS: A total of 1176 adolescents aged 13-18 years within four high schools were included. The results obtained show use of Facebook and duration of Facebook use of adolescents were not related to mean scores of loneliness. Adolescents with high duration of Instagram use was to be found that loneliness scores were statistically high, but anger scores were similar. Twitter users had lower loneliness mean scores and higher anger scores. TikTok use was not related with loneliness scores. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study found that high duration of Instagram use was associated with higher loneliness scores in adolescents, while Twitter users had lower loneliness scores and higher anger scores. The use of Facebook and TikTok did not significantly affect loneliness and anger levels. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study suggest that pediatric nurses can play a significant role in promoting balanced social media use and healthy coping strategies to mitigate the negative impact of excessive social media use on adolescent mental health. Pediatric nurses can support adolescent emotional wellbeing and promote a healthier digital environment.

The effect of nursing interventions with therapeutic play and video animations prepared with psychodrama technique in reducing fear, anxiety, and pain of children at male circumcision: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This research was carried out to reduce the fear, anxiety and pain of 4-6 age circumcised children with therapeutic play and video animation interventions. METHODS: This research was conducted as a randomized controlled study between November 2019 and April 2021. Using block randomization, 30 (n = 30) children were assigned to the control group, 30 (n = 30) to the therapeutic puppet group and 30 (n = 30) to the video animation group. Before the circumcision surgery, therapeutic puppet and video animation interventions were applied to children with scenario prepared with psychodrama technique. Fear, anxiety, and pain findings of children before and after surgery were determined. RESULTS: The fear and anxiety scores of the children were similar before the nursing intervention in all groups, and that the fear and anxiety scores of therapeutic puppet play and video animation intervention groups had statistically lower than the control group after nursing intervention. The pain scores of the children from the therapeutic puppet play and video animation groups had lower pain scores than the control group after surgery (F = 5.24, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic play and video animation intervention can be effective in reducing fear and anxiety of children aged 4-6 before and after circumcision surgery.

Principles of approach to suspected or infected patients related Covid-19 in newborn intensive care unit and pediatric intensive care unit.

PURPOSE: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate physical and mental health (MH) effects of children and their parents in newborn intensive care unit and pediatric intensive care unit due to Covid-19. CONCLUSIONS: Children are less likely to develop severe illness than adults. It may benefit from medical and psychological/behavioral interventions. Prevent negative MH outcomes for babies/children/caregivers affected by Covid-19. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is useful to clarify the clinical course of children (treatment, care procedures, psychosocial effects, etc.). The establishment of mental health expert nursing teams, psychological counseling (synchronous telemedicine services for support purposes, telepsychiatry for parents, etc.) may have helped prevent negative mental health of Covid-19 outcomes. Continuous updating of medical staff's knowledge and skills for the prevention of Covid-19 is expected to slow the spread of the disease.