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1.
J Pediatr Nurs ; 75: e42-e48, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38182483

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of online breastfeeding education on breastfeeding motivation. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study had a single blind randomized, controlled, experimental design. The women in the online education group were primipara and in their postpartum 4-8 weeks and fulfilled inclusion criteria for the study. The study population comprised of the women presenting to the pregnancy outpatient clinic or giving birth in the gynecological and obstetrics clinic of a university hospital hospital in the West of Turkey and hearing about the Online Breastfeeding Education through social media. The sample size was calculated through a similar study. Data were collected between February 2022-November 2022. Simple random sampling was used and the study sample comprised of 50 women, of whom 25 were in the online breastfeeding education group and 25 were in the control group. Online breastfeeding education was given in groups of three or two, depending on availability, via the video communication platform (Zoom Video Communications). The control group received routine care. Data analysis was made with descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank sum test and Mann Whitney U test. RESULTS: Integrative motivation (U = 284, p < .05) and intrinsic motivation-identified regulation (U = 196, p < .05) significantly increased compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Online breastfeeding education offered in the postpartum period can help to increase breastfeeding rates. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended that nurses monitor breastfeeding status in the postpartum period and motivate mothers with online breastfeeding training in cases where access is not available. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered 12 February 2022 on www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (NCT05262231).


Subject(s)
Breast Feeding , Education, Distance , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Mothers/education , Research Design , Single-Blind Method , Infant, Newborn
2.
Women Health ; 64(1): 5-13, 2024 Jan 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37933189

ABSTRACT

Pregnant women frequently use the Internet to get information, and the information they receive is effective in their decision-making. It is known that pregnant women get information about COVID-19 vaccines from the Internet. This study aims to determine whether decision-making based on Internet sources during pregnancy is a predictive factor for vaccine hesitancy in pregnant women during the pandemic. A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was used. The data were collected by using an online survey instrument. There was a positive, moderate, and significant relationship between the self-efficacy perception sub-dimension of the internet decision-making during pregnancy scale and the risk sub-dimension of the vaccine hesitancy in pandemics scale (r: .584, p < .05) and between the self-control sub-dimension of the internet decision-making during pregnancy scale and the risk sub-dimension of the vaccine hesitancy in pandemics scale (r: .546, p < .05). The perception of self-control (ß: .291) affected the lack of confidence, and the perception of self-efficacy (ß: .481) affected the risk perception more than other variables. There was a relationship between internet decision-making and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in pregnant women. Health professionals, information specialists, and librarians should orient people to reliable sources about vaccines.


Subject(s)
Pregnant Women , Vaccination Hesitancy , Pregnancy , Humans , Female , COVID-19 Vaccines , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pandemics , Internet , Vaccination
3.
Midwifery ; 115: 103484, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36155390

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of online antenatal education on worries about labour, fear of childbirth, preparedness for labour and fear of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: A single-blind randomised controlled trial comparing two groups: an antenatal education group and a control group. PARTICIPANTS: The sample consisted of 44 pregnant women. MEASUREMENTS: A demographic data form, The Oxford Worries on Labour Scale, The Fear of Birth Scale, The Prenatal Self Evaluation Questionnaire and The Fear of COVID-19 Scale were used for data collection. FINDINGS: Online antenatal education decreased worries about labour, fear of childbirth and fear of COVID-19 and improved preparedness for labour. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Online antenatal education offered during the COVID-19 pandemic is effective in preparedness for labour. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: As an alternative, online antenatal education should be offered to pregnant women unable to attend face to face education programs due to fear of transmission of infection.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Prenatal Education , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Single-Blind Method , Pandemics , Parturition , Pregnant Women , Fear
4.
Midwifery ; 114: 103459, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36029559

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: to examine pregnant Turkish women's opinions on COVID-19 vaccines. DESIGN: a qualitative approach was used to gather data through semi-structured interviews. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 16 women about to receive a vaccine during their pregnancy and who did or did not experience vaccine hesitancy participated. ANALYSIS: qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS: three main themes emerged regarding the pregnant women's opinions on COVID-19 vaccines: fear, security/insecurity and social support. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: pregnant women mostly recalled their babies and fears about COVID-19 vaccines. Although the fear of vaccines created vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy, the fear of contracting COVID-19 led to a positive attitude to the vaccines. It is critical to provide pregnant women with information about COVID-19 and vaccines for the disease in order to enhance vaccination rates among pregnant women.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Vaccines , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Pregnant Women , COVID-19 Vaccines/therapeutic use , COVID-19/prevention & control , Turkey
5.
Vacunas ; 23: S1-S7, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35813990

ABSTRACT

Objective: COVID-19 is a serious public health problem. Therefore, it is important to vaccinate the community. This study was aimed at examining the reasons for individuals' COVID-19 vaccine hesitations, and decisions that have changed over time. Material and methods: This was a prospective longitudinal qualitative study. Results: Confidence, fear, conspiracy theories, belief, and social pressure play a role in vaccine hesitancy. The most important factor in the changing decisions of individuals who are hesitant about vaccination is pressure. Confidence and fear also lead to a change of decision. However, it was remarkable that most of the participants who were vaccinated due to pressure did not want to be revaccinated. Conclusions: Governments, media, vaccine companies, health professionals, and scientists should act together to increase the vaccination rates of individuals.


Objetivo: El COVID-19 es un grave problema de salud pública. Por lo tanto, es importante vacunar a la comunidad. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo examinar las razones de las dudas y decisiones de las personas sobre la vacuna COVID-19 que han cambiado con el tiempo. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio cualitativo longitudinal prospectivo. Resultados: La confianza, el miedo, las teorías de conspiración, la creencia y la opresión jugaron un papel en la vacilación de la vacuna. El factor más importante en las decisiones cambiantes de las personas que dudan acerca de la vacunación ha sido la opresión. La confianza y el miedo también llevaron a un cambio de decisión. Sin embargo, fue notable que la mayoría de los participantes que fueron vacunados debido a la opresión no querían ser revacunados. Conclusiones: Los gobiernos, los medios de comunicación, las empresas de vacunas, los profesionales de la salud y los científicos deben actuar juntos para aumentar las tasas de vacunación de las personas.

6.
Women Birth ; 35(3): 317-323, 2022 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34088595

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is an important time for developing attitudes and beliefs about childhood vaccinations. Vaccinations are among the most effective way of preventing some infectious diseases. Discussions on vaccinations have increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic and there is an opportunity to give society correct information on vaccinations. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the opinions of pregnant women on vaccinations in pregnancy and childhood and the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on these views. METHODS: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study. The sample included 152 pregnant women. Data were collected through a 25-item online questionnaire created by the researchers. RESULTS: It was found in our study that 29.6% of pregnant women using forum websites exhibited hesitant attitudes towards vaccinations. The vaccine hesitancy rate was found to be high in pregnant women who said that their economic level was low and who worried about the risks of vaccination. The Covid-19 pandemic was reported to be the cause of a decrease in vaccine hesitancy in 28.9% of the participants. CONCLUSION: The events surrounding the pandemic provided an opportunity to explain how pregnant women feel about vaccinations. Providing pregnant women with access to correct information from health workers may reduce the problem of trust, which is among the most important reasons for vaccine hesitancy.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Vaccines , COVID-19/prevention & control , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Pandemics/prevention & control , Pregnancy , Pregnant Women , Vaccination
7.
Eur J Oncol Nurs ; 54: 102045, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34619418

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine experiences and coping strategies of women receiving treatment for breast and gynecological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A descriptive, phenomenological approach was adopted. The study included 15 women receiving treatment for breast and gynecological cancers in the chemotherapy center of a university hospital. Data was collected with a descriptive characteristic form and semi-structured in-depth interviews. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed three main themes: Problems, protection and coping. The main theme of 'problems' was grouped into four categories: living with anxiety and fear, social isolation, physical difficulties, and financial difficulties. 'Protection' was grouped into four categories: decreased stigmatization, increased preventive measures, increased communication between family members, and keeping distance. Coping was grouped into four categories: religious practices, social support, positive thinking, and hobbies. CONCLUSIONS: The participants were found to experience psychosocial, financial and physical difficulties. However, they also mentioned positive aspects of the pandemic: elimination of stigmatization due to the obligation for everyone to wear a mask, lack of visits due to the lockdown and enhanced communication with family members due to increased time spent at home. Religious practices, social support, positive thinking and spending time on hobbies were helpful to cope with the problems experienced during the pandemic. The results of this study can guide nurses in offering high-quality nursing care and counseling to women treated for breast and gynecological cancers during the pandemic.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Neoplasms , Adaptation, Psychological , Communicable Disease Control , Female , Humans , Pandemics , Qualitative Research , SARS-CoV-2
8.
Complement Ther Clin Pract ; 44: 101428, 2021 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34157494

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the effects of reflexology based on Watson's theory of human caring on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in gynecological cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest and a control group. The clinical trial was conducted at a university hospital in the Aegean region between October 2016 and June 2018. It was completed with 62 women, of whom 31 were in the intervention group and 31 were in the control group. Data were collected by using a personal information form, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30-version 3.0. RESULTS: Anxiety and depression levels were lower in the intervention group than in the control group. Besides, the quality of life was higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Reflexology significantly reduced symptoms due to chemotherapy, such as fatigue, pain, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Although there was a decrease in symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation immediately after reflexology, an increase in symptoms was observed in the intervention group two weeks later. CONCLUSION: These results showed that reflexology based on Watson's theory of human caring is effective in reduction of anxiety and depression and improves the quality of life in gynecological cancer patients during chemotherapy. It can be suggested that offering reflexology at certain intervals during chemotherapy will increase the duration of its effect.


Subject(s)
Musculoskeletal Manipulations , Neoplasms , Anxiety/therapy , Depression/therapy , Female , Humans , Prospective Studies , Quality of Life , Single-Blind Method
9.
J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod ; 50(8): 102144, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33848646

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy period, women's information needs increases. Receiving information during this period affects the birth and postpartum period. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the use of the internet to receiving childbirth information by pregnant women. METHODS: The study was a descriptive study. Data were collected using an Information Form. The sample consisted of 162 pregnant women. RESULTS: The 92.4% of women used the internet as a source of information about childbirth. Blogs or web pages were the most frequently used internet sources with 85.8% usage, followed by mobile applications with 75.6%, and social media with 58.1%. Most of the women found the information they received from the internet partially useful and reliable. 24.3% of the women stated that receiving information on internet decreased their fears and 14.8% that it increased their fears. CONCLUSIONS: Most women used the internet as primary information source. Health professionals should orient people to reliable sources.


Subject(s)
Information Seeking Behavior , Internet Use/statistics & numerical data , Pregnant Women/psychology , Adult , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Turkey
10.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol ; 254: 231-235, 2020 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33011506

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the fears associated with childbirth among first time expectant fathers and the reasons for these fears. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive, phenomenological approach was used. The sampling was composed of 16 men who were first time expectant fathers, who were at least primary school graduates, who were 18 years of age or older, whose partner was in her final trimester week of pregnancy, who did not have any psychiatric problems and who stated that they had a fear of childbirth. RESULTS: The data were collected under the two main themes of fears about childbirth and the reasons for the fears. It was found that the expectant fathers had fears associated with the complications that could develop during childbirth and with the health personnel. CONCLUSIONS: There were various fears associated with childbirth among expectant fathers. The reasons for the fears were mostly the negative stories heard. Health personnel have important duties in defining and decreasing the fears of expectant fathers associated with childbirth. It should not be forgotten that expectant fathers are also a part of childbirth in antenatal education.


Subject(s)
Fathers , Parturition , Adolescent , Adult , Delivery, Obstetric , Fear , Female , Humans , Male , Pregnancy , Qualitative Research
11.
Health Info Libr J ; 37(4): 319-328, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32770732

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An excessive overload of information causes an ineffective management of information, stress and indefiniteness. Furthermore, this situation can prevent persons from learning and making conscious decisions. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the cancer information overload (CIO) and the factors related to it in adults who are Internet users. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 482 Internet users was conducted. The data were collected by using an Introductory Information Form and the Cancer Information Overload Scale. RESULTS: It was found that the Internet was the most used information source (62.2%). The CIO of those with a university level education was found to be high (P = 0.012). It was found that the CIO of individuals who used the Internet (P = 0.031) and newspapers/magazines (P = 0.004) as sources of information was high compared with those who did not use these sources. It was determined from the information obtained that those who found the information to be beneficial and enough had a low CIO (P = 0.004, P = 0.00). CONCLUSION: Health literacy around cancer information is challenging for frequent Internet users. Health professionals, information specialists and librarians should orient people to reliable sources.


Subject(s)
Information Storage and Retrieval/standards , Neoplasms/physiopathology , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Health Literacy , Humans , Information Seeking Behavior , Information Storage and Retrieval/trends , Internet , Male , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neoplasms/therapy , Psychometrics/instrumentation , Psychometrics/methods
12.
Sex Reprod Healthc ; 24: 100501, 2020 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32066117

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify and compare the fear of childbirth and associated factors among pregnant women and their partners. METHODS: This was a descriptive and relational study. A total of 564 people, 282 women and their partners, were included in the study. Data were collected using two forms: the Personal Information Form and the Fear of Birth Scale. RESULTS: The study found that 82.6% of the women and 54.3% of their partners had a fear of childbirth. Economic status, parity, previous birth experience, and preferred delivery method affected the fear of childbirth among the women (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, and p = 0.030, respectively). Age, parity, education level, economic status, preferred delivery method, and previous birth experience of their partner affected the fear of childbirth among the men (p = 0.036, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.004, and p = 0.000, respectively). A positive, significant, moderate relationship was found between the fear of childbirth among the women and their partners (r = 0.602, p = 0.000). Fear of childbirth affected both the women's and their partners' preferred delivery method (p = 0.000 and p = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Partners had a fear of childbirth as well, although the rate of this fear was higher among women. Fear of childbirth caused the couples to prefer cesarean section. There was a relationship between the fear of childbirth among the women and their partners.


Subject(s)
Fear , Parturition/psychology , Pregnant Women/psychology , Spouses/psychology , Adult , Delivery, Obstetric/methods , Economic Status , Educational Status , Female , Humans , Male , Parity , Pregnancy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Turkey
13.
Cancer Nurs ; 43(1): E47-E53, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31805026

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sexuality is a multidimensional subject that can be negatively affected after a diagnosis of gynecological cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to reveal what sexuality difficulties Muslim women with gynecological cancers experience and how they overcome them. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS: A qualitative approach was used. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews and analyzed by using a content analysis method. Eighteen Muslim women with gynecological cancers participated in the study. RESULTS: The study findings were grouped into 3 major categories: situations that make sexual life difficult, impact of cancer on sexual life, and coping. CONCLUSIONS: Women with gynecological cancers experience sexual reluctance, orgasmic incapacity, lack of enjoyment of sexual intercourse, and decreased frequency of sexual intercourse. In individuals with cancer, social support is important to facilitate coping; however, some women do not receive sufficient support. Women who consider sexuality to be a taboo topic and feel shame about asking sexuality-related questions are not likely to seek or receive relevant information from health professionals. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Health professionals should provide information to women diagnosed with gynecological cancers about changes that they are likely to experience in their bodies and possible difficulties in sexuality. These women should be encouraged to talk about their sexual problems, and religious and cultural differences should be reflected in their cancer care.


Subject(s)
Genital Neoplasms, Female/psychology , Islam/psychology , Quality of Life/psychology , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/psychology , Adult , Female , Genital Neoplasms, Female/complications , Genital Neoplasms, Female/etiology , Humans , Middle Aged , Personal Satisfaction , Sexual Behavior/ethnology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/etiology , Sexuality
14.
Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs ; 6(3): 300-307, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31259227

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude of university students toward HPV infection and vaccine prevention in Turkey. METHODS: A total of 1563 female and male university students participated in the study. The study design was descriptive and cross-sectional. The study included students enrolled in the departments of faculties and vocational schools. RESULTS: In total, 16.8% of students stated that they had heard of HPV. There was a statistically significant relationship between the mean awareness of HPV and different variables, such as age, gender, marital status, family history of cancer, and conversation about sexual matters (P < 0.01). As the age of the students increased, the chance of hearing about HPV also increased. Of all the students, 1.5% took HPV vaccination. Furthermore, 87.7% of the female students stated that they had heard of cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The depth of knowledge among Turkish university students toward cervical cancer, HPV infection, and vaccination was inadequate. It is important to provide educational and counseling services by nurses to make university students aware of HPV infection and vaccination.

15.
Int Urol Nephrol ; 49(10): 1845-1850, 2017 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28620716

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are widespread health problems all over the world and have high morbidity and mortality. Hemodialysis patients are more frequently exposed to these viruses as they have poor immune system and frequently undergo parenteral interventions. The vaccination against HBV prevents infection and it has been recommended for the prevention of HBV infection in all susceptible dialysis patients. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections and analyzed the factors affecting inadequate response to HBV vaccine in dialysis patients. METHODS: The data for 584 dialysis patients that were followed up at seven dialysis centers were analyzed. The patients received four doses of 40 µg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine at 0, 1, 2, and 6 months and were tested for anti-HBs titer after one month of completion of vaccination. If patients showed a titer of anti-HBs <10 IU/mL, an additional 40 µg in four vaccine doses was administered immediately and they were retested for the anti-HBs following the same schedule. The patients were divided into two groups: responders and non-responders. RESULTS: HBsAg and anti-HCV seroprevalence was 3.4% and 10.3%, respectively. After vaccination schedule, 264 (83.5%) patients had antibody response to HBV vaccine and 52 (16.5%) had no response. Hepatitis B vaccine unresponsiveness is more common in the patients with hepatitis C positivity (p = 0.011), BMI >30 (p = 0.019), over the age of 65 years (p = 0.009), and duration of dialysis treatment >5 years (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between gender, causes of renal disease, erythropoietin treatment, and the type of dialysis. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis C infection, obesity, being elderly, and having long hemodialysis period reduced the hepatitis B vaccination response in hemodialysis patients.


Subject(s)
Coinfection/immunology , Hepatitis B Antibodies/blood , Hepatitis B Vaccines/immunology , Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Body Mass Index , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Hepatitis B/blood , Hepatitis B/prevention & control , Hepatitis C/blood , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Renal Dialysis , Retrospective Studies , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Turkey/epidemiology , Vaccination , Young Adult
16.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol ; 206: 158-163, 2016 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27693938

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a previous IVF failure on the quality of life and emotional distress, in couples undergoing IVF treatment. Experiencing IVF failure might cause differences on the anxiety-depression and quality of life scores of the couples, compared to the ones who were undergoing IVF treatment for the first time. STUDY DESIGN: This study included 64 couples who had previously experienced at least one IVF failure (Group 1) and 56 couples without history of IVF failure (Group 2) in a private Assisted Reproductive Center, Istanbul, Turkey. A sociodemographic data form, the FertiQoL International and Hospital Anxiety (HAD-A) and Depression scale (HAD-D) for evaluating the status of distress, were administered for the study. RESULT(S): FertiQoL scores were compared between the groups, the environment scale of the quality of life in treatment section was found to be significantly higher in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (p=0.009). The HAD-A and HAD-D scores did not differ significantly between the groups. Group-variables were investigated using multilevel analysis, the infertility duration and income level were found to have an effect on the subscales of quality of life (p=0.009 and p=0.001 respectively) in Group 2. Depression scores were higher in couples with infertility duration of below five years in Group 1 and Group 2 compared to couples with infertility duration of five years or above (MANOVA analysis). The level of education was found to affect the scores of HAD-D in Group 2, but not in Group 1 (p=0.011). The score of HAD-D was significantly affected by the family type only in Group 2 (p=0.009); the depression score of the couples living with a nuclear family was found to be higher compared with the couples living in a traditional family (p=0.021). CONCLUSION(S): Fertility-specific quality of life scores reveals better results regarding the orientation to the treatment environment in the couples with a previous IVF failure, compared to first IVF cycle couples. Treatment failure does not elevate the level of anxiety, while the effect on depression scores changes according to duration of infertility.


Subject(s)
Emotions , Fertilization in Vitro/psychology , Infertility, Female/psychology , Quality of Life/psychology , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Family Characteristics , Female , Humans , Infertility, Female/therapy , Male , Surveys and Questionnaires , Treatment Failure , Turkey
17.
Turk J Med Sci ; 46(1): 219-27, 2016 Jan 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27511357

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Midkine (MK), a heparin-binding growth factor, has an important role in cancer progression. The aim of this study was to determine MK expression in breast tissue and the preoperative and postoperative serum levels of patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one patients with breast cancer participated in our study. The MK serum levels were measured pre- and postoperatively for these patients. We also analyzed breast tissues of the 61 patients immunohistochemically. We examined serum midkine levels in 49 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: MK expression was observed in 44 (72.1%) of 61 breast cancer patients. In breast cancer patients the serum MK levels (3.68 ± 2.13 ng/mL (mean ± SD)) were significantly higher than in the control group (1.77 ± 0.38 ng/mL) before tumor removal (P = 0.000). After tumor removal, serum MK levels (2.47 ± 1.00 ng/mL) were significantly (P = 0.000) decreased according to preoperative levels. Increased serum levels of MK were related with tumor stages when clinical parameters were analyzed. CONCLUSION: We found that increased serum MK levels and protein expressions were associated with the carcinogenesis of breast cancer. MK levels decreased after tumor removal. According to our findings, MK might be a useful tumor marker for patients with breast cancer.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Biomarkers, Tumor , Cytokines , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins , Midkine , Polymerase Chain Reaction
18.
J Reprod Med ; 60(7-8): 339-44, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26380494

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate ways of coping with stress in infertile men and women. STUDY DESIGN: The study population was composed of 255 women and 238 men (total, 493) admitted to an infertility clinic between May 2012 and December 2012. A questionnaire was used to gather information and the Ways of Coping inventory was used for the evaluation of patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 28.33 ± 5.59 (mean ± SD) for females and 31.60 ± 5.64 for males. We found similar coping scores for men and women in all subscales (Self-confident, Desperate, Obedient, Optimistic, Social Support Seeking) (p > 0.05). The variables affected Coping with Stress Scores in a similar way for both women and men except for "age" and "the desire for psychological support." The Optimistic approach score was worse in men over age 35 and better in those desiring psychological support in both sexes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Infertile men and women use similar coping strategies and have similar coping scores. They mainly use active strategies at a moderate level. Increasing age in the male group, and lack of desire for psychological support in both sexes, are the factors negatively affecting the Optimistic approach scores.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Infertility, Female/psychology , Infertility, Male/psychology , Adult , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Infertility, Female/epidemiology , Infertility, Male/epidemiology , Male , Stress, Psychological , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
19.
Turk J Med Sci ; 45(2): 358-63, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26084128

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Iron, folate, and vitamin B12 serum levels are closely related with dietary habits and have an essential role in the healthy development of a fetus. We aimed to investigate hemoglobin, ferritin, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in preconceptional women in an area where a plant-based diet referred to as Mediterranean cuisine is commonly used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included 466 women between the ages of 18 and 45 years admitted for thalassemia screening. Sociodemographic variables and history of menometrorrhagia, pica, and dietary habits were collected. Serum vitamin B12, folate, ferritin, and hemoglobin levels were measured. Ferritin of <12µg/L, vitamin B12 of <200 pg/mL, and folate of <4 ng/mL were accepted as deficiencies. Hemoglobin level of <12 g/dL was classified as anemia. RESULTS: Polymenorrhea was present in 11.7% and hypermenorrhea in 24.8% of women. Anemia was detected in 24.9% and thalassemia trait in 3.0% of women. Low ferritin levels were observed in 46.1%, vitamin B12 in 21.6%, and folate in 3.4% of women. In the group with low vitamin B12, decreased meat consumption was more prevalent (27.5% vs. 16.9%; P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Vitamin B12 and iron are the main micronutrients depleted in our community. This necessitates implementing a public health program for women consuming a Mediterranean diet.


Subject(s)
Anemia , Ferritins/blood , Folic Acid Deficiency/complications , Folic Acid/blood , Menorrhagia/complications , Vitamin B 12 Deficiency/complications , Vitamin B 12/blood , Adult , Anemia/blood , Anemia/epidemiology , Anemia/etiology , Demography , Diet, Mediterranean/adverse effects , Feeding Behavior , Female , Folic Acid Deficiency/blood , Humans , Mass Screening/methods , Menorrhagia/blood , Needs Assessment , Preconception Care/methods , Prospective Studies , Socioeconomic Factors , Turkey/epidemiology , Vitamin B 12 Deficiency/blood
20.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet ; 127(1): 73-6, 2014 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24985570

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of confounding factors on sexual function in women with minimal pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a cervical cancer screening center in Turkey between December 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013. Symptom-free women with stage I or II POP were enrolled to evaluate the association between sexual function and sociodemographic variables, POP, POP-related quality of life, stress incontinence, and overactive bladder. RESULTS: Of 243 volunteers (mean age 46.0±9.1 years), 188 (77.4%) had a low Female Sexual Function Index score. Women with better sexual function tended to be younger, have a higher salary, not be in the menopause, and have no chronic illness (P<0.05 for all). There was no difference between the groups in terms of POP Quantification measurements (P>0.05), apart from transvaginal length (P=0.011). Overactive bladder was more common (P=0.005) and more severe (P=0.002) in women with sexual dysfunction, and their POP-related quality of life was worse (P<0.05). In a linear regression analysis, high salary had a positive effect and overactive bladder had a negative effect on sexual function. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in women with minimal POP. Overactive bladder and low income are the major factors adversely affecting sexual function.


Subject(s)
Pelvic Organ Prolapse/complications , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/etiology , Urinary Bladder, Overactive/complications , Adult , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Quality of Life , Young Adult
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