Paternal depression and attachment levels of first-time fathers in Turkey.

PURPOSE: Paternal depression and inadequate attachment experienced in the postpartum period may be associated with future emotional and behavioural problems of children. This study aimed to investigate the paternal depression and attachment levels of first-time fathers. DESIGN AND METHODS: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 175 fathers with 3-6 months old babies whose wives applied to the polyclinic for check-up. FINDINGS: When the cut-off point of the scale was evaluated at 13 and above in this study, the risk of depression was found to be 14.2%. The level of attachment decreases as fathers' risk of depression increases (p < 0.05). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: There is a risk of depression in fathers in the postpartum period. The level of attachment decreases as fathers' risk of depression increases.

The relationship between decision making and gender roles of students studying in healthcare fields.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between decision making and gender roles of students studying in healthcare fields. DESIGN AND METHODS: The sample of the study consisted of 357 students studying in healthcare fields of a university. The data were collected using the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire and the Gender Roles Attitudes Scale (GRAS). FINDINGS: Students' self-esteem mean score was 9.41 ± 1.91 and the total GRAS mean score was 107.57 ± 13.54. There was a statistically significant difference between GRAS, buck-passing, and hypervigilance subscales mean scores according to students' departments (p < 0.05). Self-esteem and vigilance mean scores of students were high and they had egalitarian attitudes toward gender roles. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The attitudes of health professionals are important in ensuring the participation of patients in their care and treatment decisions.

The effect of stress management training on perceived stress, anxiety and hopelessness levels of women with high-risk pregnancy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of stress management training on the perceived stress, anxiety and hopelessness levels of women with high-risk pregnancy. The sample of this experimental study consisted of 206 high-risk pregnant women (intervention = 103; control = 103). Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Beck Hopelessness Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. In the second follow-up after the training, there was a statistically significant difference amongst the Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory mean scores in the intervention and control groups (p < .05). Perceived stress scores of the control group who did not receive training during discharge increased. The state and trait anxiety scores and hopelessness scores of the intervention group received training decreased compared with the control group.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Mental problems such as anxiety and stress are more common in high-risk pregnancies compared with healthy pregnancies.What do the results of this study add? After the training 51.4% of women in the intervention group, 75.7% of women in the control group had stress. The state and trait anxiety and hopelessness scores of the intervention group having training decreased compared to the control group.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Health professionals should provide stress management training in high-risk pregnant women to reducing perceived stress, anxiety and hopelessness levels.

The effect of training given to parents with mentally disabled children on their life satisfaction self-stigma of seeking help depression and stress-coping styles.

BACKGROUND: It is important to identify problem areas of parents with mentally disabled children, to support them, to address their stress sources and to effectively cope with them. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of training given to parents with mentally disabled children on their life satisfaction, self-stigma of seeking help, depression and stress-coping styles. MATERIAL: Families with disabled children who continued their education at the Special Education Centers in Sivas created the sample of this pre- and post-test study (with control group). The data were collected with the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Self-Stigma of Seeking Psychological Help Scale (SSPHS) and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ). The scales were re-applied to the experimental group (n = 75) after the application of scales and 5-week training. Individuals in the control group were not given any training. The Mann-Whitney U test, t test and Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis were used in the evaluation of the data. RESULTS: The mean SWLS score was 19.14 ± 7.24 (min: 3; max: 31) before the training and 21.68 ± 7.39 (min: 6; max: 35) after the training. The mean BDI score was 16.92 ± 10.84 (min: 1; max: 60) before the training and 10.24 ± 7.77 (min: 0; max: 33) after the training. The mean SSPHS score was 58.18 ± 9.96 (min: 32; max: 82) before the training and 52.65 ± 14.28 (min: 28; max: 84) after the training. The mean optimistic approach score of SSPHS was 9.73 ± 2.67 (min: 2; max: 15) before the training and 10.58 ± 2.19 (min: 4; max: 15) after the training. It was determined that the difference between mean scores of the control group before and after the training was not significant (p > .05). CONCLUSION: The training has positively affected the decrease in depression and self-stigmatization, and the increase in life satisfaction and stress-coping styles after the training. It is recommended to plan research studies to identify the need for support of parents, and to structure the trainings to be given according to the results of the educational intervention researches.

Anxiety levels and methods of coping with stress of adolescents undergoing their first gynecological examination.

Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the anxiety levels and the methods of coping with the stress of adolescents who underwent their first gynecological examination.Methods: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 223 married or single adolescent women who went to a state hospital in Sivas Province in Turkey for their first gynecological examination. The data were collected by face-to-face interviews with the Personal Information Form, the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) and the Ways of Coping Inventory (WCI).Results: There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the SAI scores, and the self-confident approach (r = -0.305; p = 0.001) and optimistic approach (r = -0.170; p = 0.011) of the WCI subscales. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between SAI scores, and the desperate approach (r = 0.153; p = 0.022) and submissive approach (r = 0.143; p = 0.032).Conclusion: Adolescent women who underwent their first gynecological examination have "moderate" levels of anxiety and their coping with stress styles are ineffective. As anxiety levels increase, they use more ineffective methods.

The relationship between functional recovery and quality of life in patients affected by schizophrenia and treated at a community mental health center in Turkey.

PURPOSE: The study was conducted to determine the levels of functional recovery and quality of life (QOL) among a group of patients suffering from schizophrenia treated at a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) and to evaluate the relationship between these two treatment outcomes. DESIGN AND METHODS: This observational study was implemented among 132 patients affected by schizophrenia treated at a CMHC in Turkey. FINDINGS: A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the general and subscale mean scores of the functional remission of general schizophrenia scale and the mean score of all domains of the World Health Organization QOL (r = 0.63-0.33; P < .001). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: QOL increases as the functional recovery levels increase. Nursing practices should be planned to improve functional recovery levels of patients.

Views of algology inpatients about ethical issues related to pain.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the views of patients hospitalized in the algology clinic about ethical issues related to pain. METHODS: A total of 135 patients admitted to the algology clinic comprised the population of this descriptive study. Data were collected using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the questionnaire on ethical issues related to pain. To evaluate the data, percentage distribution and the Tukey test of variance were used. RESULTS: Of the patients, 92.6% believed that they had the right to pain relief, and 94.8% believed that they should be consulted when decisions about them were made. It was determined that 43.0% of the patients disagreed with Proposition 1, 'When a terminal-stage cancer patient with unrelievable pain requests an overdose of pain medication, possibly to cause death, the physician must prescribe it,' while 51.9% of the participants disagreed with Proposition 2, 'When a terminal-stage cancer patient with unrelievable pain and his or her family request an overdose of pain medication, possibly to cause death, the physician must prescribe it,' and 44.4% of them disagreed with Proposition 3, 'When a terminal-stage cancer patient with unrelievable pain requests an overdose of pain medication, possibly to cause death even though his or her family refuses, the physician must prescribe it.' A statistically significant relationship (p<0.05) was found between the mean VAS scores and Propositions 1 and 3. CONCLUSION: The patients were willing to be informed and to be asked about their views regarding the issue, but they did not want to be prescribed a high dose of pain medication, possibly to cause overdose and death.

Sexual experiences and quality of life in Turkish women using methods of contraception.

The aim of this study was to examine the sexual experiences and quality of life in women using methods of contraception. The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 259 women. The data were collected by the Personal Information Form, the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASES) and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). It was found that 35.1% of the women use condoms, 30.1% of them use the Intrauterine Device (IUD), 22.0% had problems using the method and 39% had the side effects while using the method. There was a statistically significant difference between the state of having problems using the methods and quality of life average scores and between the state of having side effects and sexual life and quality of life average scores (p < .05). Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Sexual problems are common health problems among women and can lead to loss of self-esteem in women, depression and emotional stress. What do the results of this study add? Women who experience problems using a contraception method have a lower quality of life. Sexual dysfunctions were higher among those who experienced side effects of the methods, quality of life scores were lower. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Health professionals should provide information and counselling about possible problems or side effects and ways to cope with these problems or side effects.

The Effect of Music on Auditory Hallucination and Quality of Life in Schizophrenic Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

The study was conducted to determine the effects of music on auditory hallucination and quality of life in schizophrenic patients. The sample of this randomised controlled study consisted of 28 patients (14 experimental and 14 control groups) hospitalised with a diagnosis of schizophrenia (DSM-IV) and auditory hallucination. The study data were collected with the Information Form, The Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), Characteristics of Auditory Hallucinations Questionnaire, and The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). The hallucination, positive formal thought, and total SAPS scores of the patients in the experimental group obtained during their hospitalisation were determined to be higher than those obtained at discharge and at follow-ups after discharge. The characteristics of auditory hallucination questionnaire scores of the patients in the experimental and control groups decreased. The physical, mental, environmental, and national environmental domain scores of the quality of life in the experimental group increased at sixth month after discharge. Listening to music had positive effects on positive symptoms and the quality of life of patients with auditory hallucination. In line with these results, listening to music may be recommended to cope with auditory hallucinations and to provide positive quality of life.

Investigating the psychological resilience, self-confidence and problem-solving skills of midwife candidates.

BACKGROUND: The high level of psychological resilience, self-confidence and problem solving skills of midwife candidates play an important role in increasing the quality of health care and in fulfilling their responsibilities towards patients. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the psychological resilience, self-confidence and problem-solving skills of midwife candidates. DESIGN: It is a convenience descriptive quantitative study. SETTINGS: Students who study at Health Sciences Faculty in Turkey's Central Anatolia Region. PARTICIPANTS: Midwife candidates (N = 270). METHODS: In collection of data, the Personal Information Form, Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults (PRSA), Self-Confidence Scale (SCS), and Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) were used. RESULTS: There was a negatively moderate-level significant relationship between the Problem Solving Inventory scores and the Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults scores (r = -0.619; p = 0.000), and between Self-Confidence Scale scores (r = -0.524; p = 0.000). There was a positively moderate-level significant relationship between the Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults scores and the Self-Confidence Scale scores (r = 0.583; p = 0.000). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the Problem Solving Inventory and the Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults scores according to getting support in a difficult situation. CONCLUSIONS: As psychological resilience and self-confidence levels increase, problem-solving skills increase; additionally, as self-confidence increases, psychological resilience increases too. Psychological resilience, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills of midwife candidates in their first-year of studies are higher than those who are in their fourth year. Self-confidence and psychological resilience of midwife candidates aged between 17 and 21, self-confidence and problem solving skills of residents of city centers, psychological resilience of those who perceive their monthly income as sufficient are high. Psychological resilience and problem-solving skills for midwife candidates who receive social support are also high. The fact that levels of self-confidence, problem-solving skills and psychological resilience of fourth-year students are found to be low presents a situation that should be taken into consideration.

Effect of stress management training on depression, stress and coping strategies in pregnant women: a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy is a period of important biological and psychosocial changes and a period that carries high risk of experiencing anxiety and stress. It is important to reduce the depression and stress that is experienced in this period or to reduce the severity of the stress and to increase the stress coping power of the pregnant women. The research was conducted to examine the effect of stress management training on pregnant women's depression, stress and methods for coping with stress. METHODS: Randomised controlled study of 202 pregnant women (experimental group: 103; control group: 99). The experimental group received stress management training and standard care; the control group received standard care. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and ways of coping inventory (WCI). RESULTS: Both groups showed a decrease in average BDI score during the study; the decrease was greater in the experimental group (p < 0.05). In the two assessments carried out after training the experimental group had lower average PSS scores than the control group (p < 0.05). At the second and third assessments the experimental group had higher scores than the control group on the self-confident approach and search for social support approach WCI subscales (ps < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The average BDI and PSS scores of pregnant women in the experimental group decreased after training in coping with stress. Their scores on the self-confident approach, optimistic approach and search for social support WCI subscales increased. Stress management training is an effective method of encouraging pregnant women to take a positive approach to coping with stress.

The relation between pain perceived by the patients hospitalized in the algology clinic and their sleep and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of perceived pain on quality of sleep and life in patients hospitalized in a pain clinic. METHODS: Population of the present descriptive study composed of patients (>18 years old) treated as inpatients in the algology clinic of a university located at the city center of Sivas, who consented to participate in the study (122 patients). Data were collected through Personal Information Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Short Form 36. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis test and Pearson correlation test. Statistical significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: A moderate negative correlation was found between VAS and three dimensions of SF-36, namely Physical Functioning, Role-Physical and Role-Emotional. VAS was weakly and negatively correlated to Vitality and Mental Health. There was a good linear correlation between VAS and quality of life (QoL), pain score while there was a moderate linear correlation between VAS and the total sleep score. It was found that quality of life was not statistically significantly correlated to General Health and Social Functioning. CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between pain, sleep quality and quality of life. Quality of sleep and life was found to decrease as the level of pain increased, and quality of life was affected negatively when the quality of sleep was poor. Applications towards resolving pain would have a positive effect on the quality of sleep and life.