Social Participation of Older Adults in Rural and Urban Areas: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Turkey.

Social participation is important in terms of active aging and quality of life during old age. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the social participation of older adults in rural and urban areas in Turkey. Related factors were similarly identified. The sample comprised 1,224 people over the age of 60, with a mean of 69.78 ± 7.48 years. Among the participants, 61.4% live in urban areas. The data were collected in family health centers through face-to-face interview and the Interview Form, Social Participation Assessment Form, and Social Participation Dimension of the Turkish Version of the Aging Module of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) Scale. The scores obtained from the social participation dimension of the scale among the elderly in urban areas were higher than those obtained among the elderly in rural areas (p = .002). In addition, older adults in the urban areas who talked on the phone several times a month (p = .025), went to concerts, theater/cinema, museum/exhibition, various visual/musical shows (p = .046), and engaged in gardening (p = .032) obtained higher scores in the social participation dimension than the other participants. Health care professionals should take an advocacy role in building relationships with policy makers and create suitable socialization opportunities for older adults in urban and rural areas.

Social participation is important in terms of active aging and quality of life during old age.This is the first study with a huge sample to compare the level of social participation of the elderly in rural and urban areas in Turkey.It provides information on the level of social participation of the elderly in a developing country.

An Investigation of Pregnant Women's Attitudes Towards Childhood Vaccination and Trust in Health Services.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination of children is of great importance for their healthy growth and development. Several concerns that have been mentioned by families due to various reasons could affect vaccination acceptance. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate pregnant women's attitudes toward childhood vaccinations and trust in health services. METHODS: This study was designed as a descriptive study. It was conducted in a city located in the eastern part of Turkey between March and May 2019. The sample was 193 volunteer pregnant women. Data were collected using the Socio-demographic Form, the Multidimensional Trust in Health-care System Scale, and the Public Attitude toward Vaccination Scale - Health Belief Model. RESULTS: A positive, statistically significant relationship was found between the Multidimensional Trust in Healthcare System Scale total mean score and Perceived Susceptibility, Perceived Severity, Perceived Benefits, and Health Responsibility (p < .01). In addition, education and income level, having social security, having had a vaccination or not, and knowing vaccines affected trusts in health services; having social security, having had vaccinations or not, and knowing vaccines affected health beliefs about vaccinations (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study found that knowing vaccines affects both trust in health services and health beliefs about vaccination. Therefore, community health nurses working in primary care should provide parents with accurate and effective information about vaccinations.

Vaccination of children is of great importance for their healthy growth and development. Several concerns that have been mentioned by families in recent years due to various reasons could affect vaccination acceptance. The results of this study showed that there was a positive statistically significant relationship between the Trust in Health-care System and the Attitude toward Vaccination Health Belief. Besides, this study found that knowing vaccines affects both trust in health services and health beliefs about vaccination. Therefore, community health nurses working in primary care should provide parents with accurate and effective information about vaccinations.

An investigation of women's hygiene habits and the affecting factors during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This study aims to investigate women's hygiene habits and the affecting factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was conducted with women aged 21 to 64 between July and September 2021. The sample size was calculated as 384 individuals using the method for an unknown population, and the study included 405 women who agreed to participate. Data were collected through the Descriptive Characteristics Form and the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale. According to the women's descriptive characteristics Hygiene Scale mean scores were significantly higher in those who were married, who lived in urban areas, who had children aged 0 to 6, who had been diagnosed with Covid-19, who had other individuals infected with COVID-19 at home, and who reportedly had changes in their hygiene habits in the pandemic process. The importance given to hygiene by women was found to increase in the COVID-19 process.

Nutrition literacy levels of mothers with children aged five and below and the body mass index of their children.

This study aims to investigate the nutrition literacy levels of mothers with children aged five and below and the body mass index of their children (BMI). This descriptive study was carried out in a city located in eastern Turkey between June and August 2021. The sample was composed of 235 women who were calculated using the sampling method with an unknown target population, and participants were included in the sample using the convenience sampling method. Data collection tools were the Socio-demographic Form and Evaluation Instrument of Nutrition Literacy in Adults. Data were analyzed in SPSS, using descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov Smirnov test, Mann Whitney U-test, and Kruskal Wallis test. While 92 percent of participating mothers had a sufficient level of nutrition literacy, 46 percent of children had normal BMI. The Evaluation Instrument of Nutrition Literacy on Adults mean score was higher in those who had a high socio-economic level, had a disease that required regular medicine use, reported having sufficient knowledge about nutrition, and accept health workers as a reliable source of information (p < .05). This study found that nutrition literacy was affected by variables such as socio-economic level, knowledge about nutrition, and the sources of information chosen. In addition, it was determined that the BMI of the children was not affected by the nutritional literacy level of their mothers.

Relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and social isolation and depression in elderly individuals.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected elderly individuals and it has been associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between fear of COVID-19, social isolation and depression in elderly individuals. METHODS: The study is a descriptive type. The sample consisted of 362 elderly people. The study data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Nottingham Health Profile Social Isolation Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form. RESULTS: It was determined there was a positive and moderate relationship between fear of COVID-19 and depression and social isolation, and a positive and high relationship between social isolation and depression, and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Public health nurses, during epidemic periods, should help elderly individuals manage their fears about the disease. In addition, they should lead the practices that can sustain social participation and prevent depression in the elderly.

Development of the Perceptions About Infectious Diseases Scale.

Background and Purpose: When there is an infectious diseases, health behaviors demonstrated by individuals could have positive or negative effects on the spread of infectious diseases. Individuals' knowledge, beliefs, perceptions, emotions, attitudes, and behaviors about disease are formed according to their past and future experiences. Individuals' perceptions are considered to be important in terms of identifying their health behaviors. The purpose of the present study is to develop a measurement tool that identifies perceptions about infectious diseases. Methods: This study adopted a methodological design. It was conducted with the volunteer participation of 1,786 people who consisted of the staff and students of the university between June and September 2020. Results: The scale was found to consist of 34 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale and two factors. Cronbach's alpha value was found .98 for the scale. The correlation values showing the correlation of the items with the total scale score were found to be between .615 and .920. Conclusion: The scale that was developed in the present study was found to be a reliable and valid measurement tool.

Comparison of the Gonial Angle With Age and Gender Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images.

Introduction The mandible is one of the most important bones used in gender determination in forensic medicine and anthropology. In literature, there are many studies examining the relationship between the gonial angle on the mandible and gender. However, these studies reported different results. This study aimed to measure the gonial angle with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and investigate the relation of this angle with age and gender. Materials and methods CBCT images of 235 dentate individuals (111 males and 124 females) aged between seven and 77 years were evaluated. The individuals examined were categorized into four age groups: 7-19 years (group I), 20-39 years (group II), 40-59 years (group III), and 60-77 years (group IV). The gonial angle was measured bilaterally in all individuals. Results The mean age of the males was 41.70 ± 19.14, and the mean age of the females was 39.47 ± 17.90 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the ages based on gender (p = 0.356). It was observed that there was a statistical difference between the gonial angle and gender in groups II and III. There was no correlation between age and gonial angle in all groups. Conclusion The results obtained in this study and the comparison of these results with the literature clearly show that it is currently not possible to clearly express the relationship between the gonial angle and both age and gender. For this reason, we believe that conducting further studies evaluating both the gonial angle and the relationship between the gonial angle and other anatomical structures on a larger sample can yield more meaningful results.

An investigation of the relationship between religious coping and life satisfaction in oncology patients aged 65 and over.

BACKGROUND: Religious coping refers to the use of religion or spirituality to cope with stressful situations. Religious coping is a concept which involves both positive and negative cases. Studies on oncology patients, who encounter various physical and psychological difficulties, report that religious coping beliefs and practices are of great importance in helping patients to face the disease, adapt to this crisis period and accept their disease, and maintain their hope. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between religious coping and life satisfaction in oncology patients aged 65 and over. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted at a university hospital in a city located in eastern Turkey between March and July 2020 with the voluntary participation of 125 patients with cancer. Data collection was performed via the Demographic Characteristics Form, Life Satisfaction Scale, and Religious Coping Scale. RESULTS: Mean score of the Life Satisfaction Scale was significantly higher among the participants with a monthly income of 2000 tl and over, who lived with their spouse and children, who adapted to the diseases, and who perceived their health status as 'good'. The mean score of the Religious Coping Scale was significantly higher in the participants with metastasis. There was a negative, statistically significant relationship between the Life Satisfaction Scale total mean score and the Negative Religious Coping sub-scale mean score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study found that negative religious coping negatively affected life satisfaction. Further, patients with cancer should be provided with psychosocial support programs that enable them to express the cases causing them to think what they experience is a divine punishment, encourage them in this way, and help them feel relieved.

Relationship Between Attitudes about Medication Adherence and Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Elderly Individuals with Chronic Diseases.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic diseases increases in old age, and therefore, elderly individuals need to use a large number of medications. PRIMARY STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between attitudes of elderly individuals with chronic disease toward medication adherence and complementary and alternative medicines. METHODS/DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2018. The participants were 193 elderly individuals who were selected using the sampling method with a known target population. The study data were collected using Descriptive Characteristics Information Form, HCAMQ, and ARMS. SETTING: The study was conducted in Family Health Centres in a city located in the eastern part of Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: The study involved elderly subjects who had been diagnosed with a chronic disease for at least 6 months that required continuous medication, and who could communicate sufficiently. RESULTS: The mean ARMS score of elderly individuals was found to be 14.19 ± 3.01, showing moderate adherence to medications. The mean HCAMQ score of individuals was 25.93 ± 6.57, showing positive attitudes of individuals toward CAM. Further, a positive and statistically significant correlation was found between the total scores of ARMS and HCAMQ (P < .01). CONCLUSION: It can be suggested that elderly individuals endeavor to maintain medical therapies for their diseases, and they also have positive attitudes toward complementary and alternative treatments. These positive behaviors of the elderly should be supported. Also elderly individuals should be informed about how to take "complementary and alternative treatments" consciously, in a controlled and correct manner.

Identification of the relationship between nicotine dependence levels and cessation fatigue.

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the relationship between nicotine dependence levels and cessation fatigue. DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted in a city located in the eastern part of Turkey between December 2019 and March 2020. The sample consisted of 107 students who met the research criteria. Data were collected using the sociodemographic form, the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence test, and the cessation fatigue scale (CFS). FINDINGS: The CFS mean score was found to be significantly higher in women and in those who had high and very high nicotine dependence levels (p < 0.05). A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between cessation fatigue and nicotine dependence (p < 0.001). In addition, relationships were also found between cessation fatigue and variables, such as age, age of starting to smoke regularly, age of trying smoking for the first time, and the number of cigarettes smoked daily (p < 0.05). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study detected a relationship between smoking cessation fatigue, and nicotine dependence. Studies have revealed that nursing practices on the struggle against smoking are effective. A better understanding of these processes could support nursing practices development.

Determination of Breast Cancer Fatalism in Women and the Investigation of the Relationship Between Women's Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test Health Beliefs with Religious Orientation and Fatalism.

This study aims to determine breast cancer fatalism in women and investigate the relationship between women's cervical cancer and pap smear test health beliefs with religious orientation and fatalism. The study, which was conducted as a descriptive and relational screening one, was conducted in the eastern part of Turkey between July and August 2019. The study was conducted with 357 women who were not diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, and who were not pregnant. A positive, significant relationship was found between the Religious Orientation Scale total mean score and Health Motivation and Pap smear Benefit Perception sub-scale mean score. A positive, significant relationship was found between the Fatalism Tendency Scale total mean score and Sensitivity, Importance Perception, Pap smear Benefit Perception and Pap smear Barrier Perception sub-scale mean scores (p < .05). The participating women were found to have a low level of breast cancer fatalism. Religious Orientation and Fatalism Tendency were found to have affected the Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test Health Beliefs. Similar studies are recommended to be conducted in larger groups and different regions.

An investigation of the relationship between alexithymia and empathy tendency in university students receiving health education.

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the relationship between alexithymia and empathy tendency in university students receiving health education. DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted with the volunteer participation of 376 students at a university located in the eastern part of Turkey between September and October 2019. Data were collected through the Sociodemographic Form, the Empathy Tendency Scale, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. FINDINGS: The Empathy Tendency Scale was found to be significantly higher in females, in those who lived alone, who did not experience a traumatic event when they were children, whose mother was alive, and who were not subject to violence. As to the Alexithymia Scale, mean scores were significantly higher in males, in those whose mother or father was illiterate, who had a monthly family income of less than 2000₺, who graduated from a Religious Vocational High School, and whose mother was not alive (P %3C .05). A negative, significant relationship was found between the Empathy Tendency Scale mean score and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (P %3C .001). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A negative, significant relationship was found between empathy tendency and alexithymia. It is recommended that similar studies should be conducted in different regions as well.

Development of the peripheral and central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention knowledge and attitudes scale.

BACKGROUND: Because of the necessities of modern medicine, catheters are frequently used for patients today. Mistakes made in catheter implementation frequently cause nosocomial infections. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop a scale to be used for the evaluation of nurses' knowledge and attitudes about peripheral and central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention. DESIGN AND METHODS: This methodological study was conducted between July 2016 and December 2017, with 150 nurses who worked in intensive care units and surgical, internal and paediatric clinics in hospitals located in two different cities in the eastern part of Turkey and who consented to participate in the study. RESULTS: Item total correlation values of the scale ranged between 0.515 and 0.703. Correlation coefficient between the two measurements as a result of the test-retest reliability was found to be 0.64, and there was a linear relationship between the measurements. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was found to be0.875, which indicates the adequacy of the sample. Barlett's test results indicated a correlation between the items (P < .01). Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was found to be 0.86. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that the 5-point Likert scale was formed with 14 items and two factors, which included "general precautions" and "catheter care." Scale total score is obtained by collecting all the items. Higher scores indicate higher knowledge and attitudes. This scale could be used for assessing the knowledge and attitudes of nurses about peripheral and central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention precautions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The Peripheral and Central Venous Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Prevention Knowledge and Attitudes Scale could be used for infection prevention in the assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of nurses with a view of preventing infections. The scale can be used in intensive care units and surgical, internal and paediatric clinics in order to assess nurses' knowledge and attitudes.

An Investigation of the Relationship Between Intercultural Sensitivity and Religious Orientation Among Nurses.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between intercultural sensitivity and religious orientation among nurses. This study utilized a cross-sectional model. It was conducted in a public hospital in a city located in the eastern part of Turkey between July and September 2018. The participants were 105 nurses who volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected using the Socio-Demographic Characteristics Form, the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, and the Religious Orientation Scale. The Intercultural Sensitivity Scale mean score of the participating nurses was found 82.55 ± 9.82, and the total mean score for the Religious Orientation Scale was 53.34 ± 7.56. A significant, positive relationship was found between the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale and the Religious Orientation Scale mean scores (p < .01). It is recommended that the study should be conducted with the participation of nurses from different cultures and religion, in larger groups and in a comparative manner.

Males' attitudes towards violence against women and the affecting factors.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to identify the attitudes of men living in two different cities of Turkey towards violence against women and to investigate the variables affecting their attitudes towards violence. DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in two factories in Agri and Kahramanmaras cities between October and November 2019. FINDINGS: Participants' ISKEBE Violence against Women Attitude Scale mean score was 98.14 ± 20.30, Attitudes towards Body subscale mean score was 64.73 ± 11.99, and Attitudes towards Identity subscale mean score was 33.41 ± 10.45. Of all the participants, 32.6% demonstrated positive attitudes towards violence against women, and 67.4% demonstrated negative attitudes towards violence against women. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Knowing males' attitudes towards violence against women can contribute to the development of violence policies towards women.

Identification of the Knowledge Level of Students Receiving Health Education About the Human Papilloma Virus, Screening Tests, and Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination.

This study aims to identify the knowledge level of students receiving health education about the human papilloma virus, screening tests, and human papilloma virus vaccination. The present study was designed as a descriptive study. It was conducted in the Nursing department and First and Emergency Aid programs in a city in the Eastern part of Turkey between November and December 2019. The sample of the study included 312 students who volunteered to participate in the study. The data collection tools used were the Socio-demographic Form and the Human Papilloma Virus Knowledge Scale. The students' Human Papilloma Virus Knowledge Scale total mean score was 5.86 ± 6.40. The HPV knowledge Scale total score, the General HPV Knowledge sub-scale, and the General HPV Vaccination Knowledge subs-scale mean scores were found to be significantly higher in women, in those who were enrolled in 3rd year, and in those who were knowledgeable about sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer. The HPV screening Test Knowledge sub-scale mean score was found to be significantly higher in those who were enrolled in 3rd year and who were knowledgeable about cervical cancer (p < 0.05). The results showed that students' knowledge levels about HPV were not sufficient, and variables such as gender, class level, and knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer were found to affect the knowledge level about HPV, screening tests, and vaccination. It is recommended that similar studies should be conducted in larger groups, and initiations to increase the knowledge levels of students should be planned.

An investigation of the effect of the psychoeducation program provided to alexithymic and violent adolescents on the level of alexithymia.

PROBLEM: Alexithymia is defined as difficulties in defining and describing feelings, differentiating feelings and bodily sensations caused by emotional arousal, and a combination of constricted imaginary processes. This study aims to investigate the effect of the psychoeducation program provided to individuals with alexithymia and violent tendencies adolescents on the level of alexithymia. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted between February 2019 and April 2019. The sample was 80 volunteer adolescents (experimental group n = 40 and control group n = 40) who met the research criteria. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Form, the Tendency to Violence Scale, and the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children (AQC). The psychoeducation program was applied in the experimental group in 90-min sessions once a week throughout 9 weeks. FINDINGS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the AQC posttest mean scores after the training provided to the experimental group (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The psychoeducation provided to adolescents was found to reduce the level of alexithymia. It is recommended that similar studies should be conducted with larger groups.

An investigation of the relationship between ageing in place and successful ageing in elderly individuals.

BACKGROUND: With the increase in longevity in the world, successful ageing has become an important issue. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ageing in place and successful ageing in elderlies. METHODS: This study, which utilised a descriptive and relational-screening model, was conducted with the participation of 370 individuals aged 65 and over who were registered in Family Health Centres in a city centre located in the eastern part of Turkey. RESULTS: The participating elderlies' Successful Ageing Scale mean score was 54.16 ± 11.32, and the Ageing in Place Scale mean score was 54.24 ± 12.88. While there was a positive, statistically significant relationship between the Successful Ageing Scale total score, the Ageing in Place Scale total score, and living in the same environment, there was a negative, significant relationship between age and the Successful Ageing Scale total score. CONCLUSION: Elderlies' successful ageing processes are affected positively by the increase in the duration of living in the same environment and satisfaction level about the place they lived in. Successful ageing is negatively affected by the increase in age. It is recommended that elderly people's living environments should not be changed and their social support networks should be strengthened as much as possible so they can have a successful ageing process.

Effects of the Training About Prostate Cancer and Screening Methods on Knowledge Level.

This quasi-experimental study aims to identify the effects of the training about prostate cancer and screening methods given to men aged 40 and over on their knowledge level. It was found that there were no differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of the perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, health motivation, perceived barriers, and perceived benefits subscale mean scores, but the posttest data revealed that the perceived susceptibility, health motivation, and perceived benefits subscale mean scores of the experimental group were higher and their perceived barriers mean score was lower; the differences between the mean scores were statistically significant (p < .05, p < .01, p < .001). An analysis of the Health Belief Model after the training about prostate cancer and screening methods showed that the training was effective. Actually, the authors recommended that especially male nurses can play an effective role in training about prostate cancer and screening methods for men in Turkey.

Relationship Between Religious Orientation and Death Anxiety in Elderly Individuals.

This study aims to identify the relationship between religious orientation and death anxiety in elderly individuals aged 65 and over. This study is cross sectional in nature. It was conducted with the participation of 250 individuals aged 65 and over who were registered in Family Health Centers in the city center located in the eastern part of Turkey between February and June, 2018. The participants' Religious Orientation Scale mean score was found to be 53.03 ± 9.91, and Religious Orientation Scale mean score was found to be significantly higher in married people, in graduates of high school, in those who had social security, and in those who lived with their spouse (p < 0.01). Death Anxiety Scale mean score was found to be 7.73 ± 2.28, and Death Anxiety Scale mean score was significantly higher in those who lived with their children (p < 0.05). No statistically significant relationship was found between Death Anxiety and Religious Orientation. Elderly individuals were found to have high religious orientation and death anxiety. It is recommended that the factors that increase death anxiety should be identified, interventions should be provided to decrease these factors, and elderly people should be provided with social services for their religious needs.