"I Had Attained the Identity I Had Long Desired": A Grounded Theory Study of Experiences of Transgender Men in Türkiye.

Transgender individuals form a distinct community that often experiences marginalization within society. This marginalization is particularly pronounced in patriarchal countries, where transgender men encounter various challenges across psychological, medical, legal, and social domains during their transition. The study design to conduct a thorough analysis of the life experiences and perspectives of transgender men in Türkiye. It involved 15 participants and the collected data were subsequently analyzed using the constant comparative method, a key technique within grounded theory methodology. The coding process resulted in three main themes: "Realizing gender identity", "Impact of social support sources", and "The nature of being visible", and six sub-themes were formed, the core category being "… Despite the numerous challenges encountered along the way, when I gazed into the mirror, I realized I had attained the identity I had long desired". Transgender individuals in the study expressed encountering emotional, physical, and psychological challenges throughout their personal journeys. However, despite these difficulties, they reported experiencing a sense of satisfaction and contentment upon reaching the end of their transition process. It is recommended to implement counseling services specifically tailored for transgender individuals and their families and incorporate transgender-related content into the training programs of professionals working with transgender individuals.

Maternal experiences of women who had received salutary childbirth education: A descriptive qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Childbirth education, underpinned by Salutogenesis, presents a paradigm shift in maternal care. There was no present information about the maternal experiences of women who had received Salutary childbirth education. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to deeply explore women's pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences who attended the 'Salutary Childbirth Education Program' and shed light on the mechanisms of Salutogenesis on maternal health promotion. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 15 mothers. The study was conducted during April-October 2023. Data were obtained through semi-structured, in-depth individual longitudinal interviews to cover all maternal periods. A thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Women stated that they 'acquired normality oriented perspective' which provides 'attribution of positive meanings to the period' and 'freedom from their risk focus concerns'. Women experienced the naturality of the process and were in the flow. They described that they became 'aware of their internal resources', and gained 'skills for the construction of resources' and 'ability to manage the period'. The 'emotional strength' and 'Investment ability for themselves' in addition to obtained autonomy provided them a feeling of strength to actively engage in their experience. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study explores the experiences of women who participated in the Salutary Childbirth Education Program and describes the mechanisms of the program's components on their experiences. By doing so, it aims to enhance understanding of how healthcare professionals can present effective childbirth education through the use of the Salutogenesis Model. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the women who attended the education program and were willing to interview.

"I need to make sense of my birth experience": A descriptive qualitative study of postnatal women's opinions, and expectations about postnatal debriefing.

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that women feel valued and satisfied after discussing their birth experiences. However, uncertainties persist surrounding the concept of postnatal debriefing practice. AIM: To explore the opinions and expectations of women relating to postnatal debriefing and their experiences when the postnatal debriefing is not presented. METHOD: A descriptive qualitative study of 20 postnatal women was conducted using in-depth semi-structured interviews from April-May 2023. Thematic analysis was applied to the data collected in interviews. RESULTS: Analysis of interview data generated three main themes and nine sub-themes. Women wanted to make sense of their birth experience They expressed their opinions on the components of postnatal debriefing They advocated for all women to be offered this practice by known healthcare professionals who interact with them They do not want to only talk about their birth experience but also meet their needs Women agree that expectations related to birth determine the need for the practice. They hoped for psychological adaptation by relieving their distress and gaining a sense of closure. The discussion process was expected to prevent reflection of trauma to the future and provide transition to the postnatal period. CONCLUSION: The present study explored women perceptions and expectations of postnatal debriefing. Healthcare professionals should behave sensitively to women's expectations and needs in relation to their birth experience. Further research is warranted to clarify the components and effects of postnatal debriefing practice to develop consolidated guidance.

The Nurse-Patient Interaction Scale: Translation and Psychometric Properties Among Hospitalized Cancer Patients in Turkey.

Background and Purpose: Cancer patients experience physical and psychological ailments resulting from cancer illness, a difficult and long treatment process and fear of death. Nurse-patient interaction seems to play an important role when responding to the psychological needs of patients with cancer. The aim of this study is to adapt and examine the psychometric properties of the Nurse-Patient Interaction Scale (NPIS) among Turkish cancer patients. Design and Method: In a cross-sectional design, patients receiving cancer treatment at Farabi hospital in Turkey responded to the Personal Information Form and the NPIS. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were applied. Findings: The NPIS was found to be suitable for a single factor structure, including 11 out of the original 14 items. The 11-items uni-dimensional model showed an acceptable/good fit with the data: χ2 = 154.369, (df = 44), χ2/df = 3.51, p = .0001, RMSEA = 0.100, p-value for test of close fit = 0.0001, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97 and SRMR = 0.012.

The effect of logotherapy-based, nurse-guided meaning attribution conversations on women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer: A Turkish pilot study.

Although gynecological cancers are among the most common cancers worldwide, these diagnoses are among the most traumatic experiences in women's lives. This study aimed to examine the effects of logotherapy-based, nurse-guided meaning attribution conversations (MACs) on traumatic stress symptoms, post-traumatic growth, spiritual well-being, and life meaning attribution in gynecological cancer patients. This single-blind, randomized controlled trial consisted of face-to-face interviews with 68 women with gynecological cancer who received chemotherapy at Karadeniz Technical University Health Application And Research Center Farabi Hospital in 2019. Women in the intervention group underwent seven MAC sessions, whereas women in the control group only received routine nursing care. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form (PIF), the Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale (TSSS), the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS). Descriptive statistics and parametric and nonparametric tests (Mann - Whitney U-test, Friedman test, Chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test) were used to analyze the data. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05246462). We observed statistically significant differences in the post-intervention and follow-up mean TSSS, PTGI, and MLQ scores (p = .000) between groups. However, mean total SWBS scores were not significantly different between groups (p = .145). This study demonstrated that MACs decreased the traumatic stress symptoms of women with gynecological cancer and increased their post-traumatic growth and ability to attribute meaning to life, but did not affect their spiritual well-being.

A grounded theory of resilience experiences of women with gynecological cancer.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to develop an explanatory framework to gain a deeper understanding of the resilience process in women diagnosed with gynecological cancers. METHOD: Informed by Salutogenesis Model, a Straussian-grounded theory study was conducted. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 women with gynecological cancer between January and August 2022. Data were analyzed using open, axial, selective coding, and constant comparative methods. RESULTS: The core category encapsulated that most women defined resilience as having a dynamic process that could be promoted throughout the process. However, they expressed that they needed "individual resources for resilience" and "generated resources by the supportive interventions" to be resilient. They emphasized that these resources should make the process manageable, meaningful, and comprehensible to promote resilience. Furthermore, they defined in detail which components should be included in supportive interventions. They stated "some reflections of resilience on their cancer process" and "life gains from the process." CONCLUSION: This study developed a grounded theory that provides a guideline for healthcare professionals on how women could be encouraged to have resilience and what is the importance of resilience on women's cancer process and their lives. Salutogenesis may help to understand the resilience process in women with gynecological cancer and provides direction for how healthcare professionals should shape their clinical interventions to promote the resilience process.

Determination of the Relationship Between Gynecological Cancer Awareness and Fear of Cancer in Women Using Social Media and the Affecting Factors.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the relationship between fear of gynecological cancer and awareness of cancer in women may help oncology nurses increase women's participation in gynecological cancer screening. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between women's gynecological cancer awareness and cancer fear using social media and the affecting factors. METHODS: In a descriptive and cross-sectional study design, online data were collected from 1231 women aged 20 to 69 years through social media using the Descriptive Information Form, the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS), and the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS). Analytic tests included paired t tests, analysis of variance, and post hoc correlations and structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The women's total mean GCAS score was above moderate (152 ± 17), and their mean CWS score was high (19 ± 5). There was no relationship between the GCAS and CWS mean scores. Characteristics of participants with high awareness of gynecological cancer were being young, having a high educational level, having children, living in a province, having a history of cancer or family history of cancer, and having regular gynecological examinations, Papanicolaou smear tests, breast self-examination, and vulva examinations (P < .05). The fear of cancer was higher in women with children, a family history of cancer, and regular gynecological examination behaviors (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Awareness of gynecological cancer was not significantly statistically associated with fear of cancer. Certain sociodemographic and gynecological characteristics are associated with awareness of gynecological cancer and/or fear of cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Oncology nurses may plan individualized or large-scale educational events that may make use of social media to enhance accurate awareness of gynecological cancer and related examinations in women.

Prevalence and persistent prescription of analgesic drugs in persons admitted with dementia to a nursing home - A longitudinal study.

The overall aim was to explore the prevalence and persistent regular prescription of opioids and paracetamol among nursing home (NH) residents with dementia at admission and over time. A total of 996 residents with dementia, mean (SD) age 84.5 (7.6) years and (36.1% men), were included at admission (A1). Yearly assessments were performed for two years (A2 and A3) or until death. Pain was assessed using the Mobilization-Observation-Behavior-Intensity-Dementia-2 (MOBID-2) Pain Scale. Information regarding prescription of analgesics, general physical health, personal activities of daily living, severity of dementia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and prescription of psychotropic drugs was collected. A generalized linear mixed model was used to explore whether pain severity was associated with persistent and persistent prescription of opioids and/or paracetamol across timepoints. At A1, 495 of 996 (49.7%) NH residents were prescribed analgesics and prevalence increased at the follow-ups (A2: n = 630, 65.1%; A3: n = 382, 71.2%). Paracetamol was the most frequently prescribed analgesic at all assessments (A1: 45.5%; A2: 59.5%; A3: 67.1%). Opioid prescriptions were quite prevalent (A1: 18.1%; A2: 25.1%; A3: 28.3%), with odds approximately 13 times (OR = 13.3, 95% CI 6.8-26.0) and 9 times (OR = 8.6, 95% CI 3.7-20.3) higher for prescription at follow-up A2 and A3, respectively, relative to prescription at A1. In adjusted analyses, higher pain intensity and poor physical health were associated with prescription and persistent prescription of opioids and paracetamol. In conclusion, prevalence and persistent prescription of analgesics were high in NH residents with dementia. The odds for the prescription of opioids at follow-up were high if prescribed at baseline. Interdisciplinary collaboration, routine assessment of pain at admission and regularly thereafter, and systematic drug reviews are essential to adequately assess and treat pain in NH residents with dementia.

Factors relating to childbirth self efficacy among pregnant women: a CHAID analysis.

Childbirth self-efficacy is a useful measure for determining a woman's confidence in managing childbirth and for determining any preconceptions that require reinforcement. Childbirth self-efficacy is also particularly helpful in advising not only how to cope with birth, but also maternal well-being and fostering the improvement of a wide variety of perinatal outcomes. The present study aims to determine the factors affecting childbirth self-efficacy in pregnant women. The sample size consisted of 380 pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 45. Data were collected via face to face interviews using the Childbirth Self Efficacy Scale Short Form (CBSEI-32) in the Akdeniz University Hospital between November 2019 and February 2020 and used Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detector analyses, resulting in a mean CBSEI-32 score of 244.279 ± 45.121. As a result of the analysis, it was seen that income status affects self-efficacy, and personal experiences such as foetal loss affect a woman's childbirth self-efficacy. In addition, it was also found that the level of prenatal education affected childbirth self-efficacy. Health professionals should assess pregnant women during the antenatal period in terms of their childbirth self efficacy and prepare personalised training programs and plan initiatives to increase perceptions of self-efficacy.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Childbirth self-efficacy is one of the important psychological parameters to determine a woman's belief in her confidence in managing childbirth and to measure women's perceptions of her need for reinforcement.What do the results of this study add? Sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of women affect their childbirth self-efficacy perception positively and negatively. Women's birth self-efficacy can be improved positively with prenatal education. In addition, it is one of the interesting findings of the study that the self-efficacy level of women who had a previous low experience was high.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Women's childbirth self efficacy can be improved with trainings and appropriate nursing interventions. For this reason, it is important to determine the factors affecting the self-efficacy perception of women. In future studies, the childbirth self-efficacy perceptions of women in different samples (risky pregnancy, disabled pregnant, etc.) should be measured.

"Thanks to my child, I discovered that I am strong and I grew up with my child": Personal growth in mothers of children with Down syndrome in Turkey.

This study aims to examine the impact of a Down syndrome diagnosis on mothers' experiences in Turkey and to understand how they construct their mothering in the context of personal growth despite the emotional and social difficulties they encounter. Grounded theory was used in this study. Data were taken from in-depth interviews with 15 mothers, and analysed using a systematic and hierarchical approach based on a constant comparative method. There also emerged three primary categories: reconstruction of mothering; factors affecting the process; and response to the changing life. The mothers explained that they experienced personal growth, such as feeling stronger, improving their ability to communicate, and becoming "closer to God". More cultural research is needed to explore the unique nature of the experiences and personal growth processes of mothers of children with Down syndrome.

Two wars on one front: Experiences of gynaecological cancer patients in the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of gynaecological cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic from their own perspectives. METHODS: The study is a descriptive study with a qualitative design based on thematic analysis. We conducted the study with 17 women with gynaecological cancer and receiving chemotherapy in the Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy Unit of Kütahya Training and Research Hospital. The data were collected between April 2021 and May 2021 via an in-depth individual interview form. The COREQ checklist was followed in the study. RESULTS: As a result of the interviews, we identified four main themes: the impacts of COVID-19 on life, the impact of COVID-19 on cancer treatment, the biggest fear during the COVID-19 pandemic and the metaphors of struggling with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: The disruption of treatment services during the COVID-19 pandemic and women's fear of infection by the virus led to delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This situation caused the women's state of health to deteriorate, and the resultant regret and sadness that they experienced had an adverse effect on their mental health. Furthermore, women's self-isolation due to the fear of infection by the virus had a negative effect on their psychosocial health. Telehealth services should be provided for cancer patients to obtain accurate information and to easily access information about treatment processes during the pandemic, and telepsychological hotlines and peer support groups should be established to improve the psychosocial health of patients.

'I wish I had my pre-pregnancy body after birth but I have to be supported': a theoretical study based on body image perception in working mothers during the postpartum period.

The body image of women in the postpartum period can be far from society's idealised body, and this can cause body dissatisfaction. This qualitative study aimed to evaluate the body image perception of women who had started working in the postpartum period, based on the grounded theory research method. A total of 22 face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants who were actively involved in working life and between 3 months and 1 year postpartum. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with a personal information form and semi-structured interview form. Coding created four main categories ('weight fluctuations and body shape', 'body-related perception', 'body-related responses from the environment' and 'body perception improvement process') and eight sub-categories. The results found that the postpartum period is a sensitive one for working women, where they have both positive and negative experiences. Their responsibilities increase, they have little time for themselves and their bodies, they experience body image dissatisfaction, and they expect support from their spouses, families, social circles and health professionals.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Postpartum body image is an important research subject because it expands the scope of body image literature and has significant effects on gender problems. Not being able to lose the weight gained in postpartum period or the weight gained during pregnancy is an important problem for women. With women starting working life, this period seems to be a more sensitive and anxious one for some women.What do the results of this study add? Most of the women in this study experience body dissatisfaction in the postpartum period. Some women do not want to leave the house because of their negative body image perceptions. It is an important finding that women want their spouse to gain weight during this period.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The findings of our study revealed that working mothers in the postpartum period have difficulty in sparing time for themselves and their bodies due to increased responsibilities. Working women are in particular need for more support due to their increased workloads, roles and responsibilities in childcare. Our study may guide future studies focussing on women's body image perceptions and influencing factors.

Is marital adjustment a way to increase women's identification with the motherhood role during pregnancy?: A correlational assessment.

The researchers sought to determine the correlation level and factors that affect the correlation between pregnant women's marital adjustment and their identification with the motherhood role. A total of 146 healthy, married, and pregnant women were included. There was a negative and significantly low-level correlation between marital adjustment and identification with the motherhood role. The correlation was significant among women who were multiparous, married for six to 10 years, with low level of education, and decided to marry in agreement. The authors of this study suggest promoting marital adjustment may be way to facilitate women's identification with the motherhood role.

Self-transcendence among adults 65 years and older: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Self-transcendence is a human capacity for wellbeing by expanding one's personal boundaries and may act as a health-promoting resource among adults ≥65 years. Therefore, the objectives of this meta-analysis were to determine the mean score of self-transcendence based on place of residence and gender, and to evaluate the correlations of self-transcendence with meaning, sense of coherence, resilience and depression. METHODS: Based on inclusion criteria, 13 studies were included. Orwin Safe N and Egger's test assessed publication bias. The mean score of self-transcendence and the correlation coefficients of the selected variables were estimated by random effects models. RESULTS: The self-transcendence mean score (n = 1634) was low (M = 43.6) and a bit lower among those staying in care facilities (M = 42.8), but did not vary significantly across gender. The correlation coefficients were self-transcendence_depression (r = -0.40), self-transcendence_meaning-in-life (r = 0.53), self-transcendence_resilience (r = 0.50) and self-transcendence_sense of coherence (r = 0.28). The correlation coefficients, except for meaning-in-life, were homogeneous. CONCLUSION: In a health-promoting perspective, the concept of self-transcendence can help to better understand wellbeing among older individuals and provide guidance for health professionals in facilitating wellbeing and health. The concept and theory of self-transcendence can inspire health professionals in realising new health-promoting approaches to support older individuals in maintaining health, wellbeing and independency.

The postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic: investigating Turkish women's postpartum support and postpartum-specific anxiety.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine how Turkish women were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the postpartum period in terms of postpartum support and anxiety variables. METHODS: The study was conducted with 130 women who gave birth during the COVID-19 period. Data were collected online using a personal information form, Postpartum Support Scale and Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale. Descriptive statistics were used, with Kruskal-Wallis and regression analysis performed. RESULTS: All postpartum women stated that they were affected negatively by COVID-19. The most common issues described were feeling alone (25.51%), having economic difficulties (15.5%) and experiencing difficulties accessing health services (21.7%). The mean Postpartum Support Scale score was 102.43 ± 27.67, while the mean Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale score was 188.07 ± 96.71. COVID-19 exposure level had a significant effect on postpartum-specific anxiety (p=0.00). The variables of having a problem during pregnancy (p=0.006), having a baby willingly (p=0.007), and partner's educational status significantly predicted the degree of being affected by COVID-19 (p=0.025). The degree to which COVID-19 affected the women was determined by having problems during pregnancy, having a baby willingly, and a highly educated partner. CONCLUSIONS: These variables may inform a resource to empower postpartum women during COVID-19. Healthcare systems need to be organised considering pandemic conditions to provide increased postpartum support, evaluate psychological health, deliver healthcare services, and consider pregnancy periods.

Turkish midwives' experiences and opinions in promoting normal births: A grounded theory study.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, the biomedical model of maternity care has been dominant, with the overuse of interventions. AIM: This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and opinions of Turkish midwives regarding the promotion of normal births. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 midwives; data were analysed using grounded theory. The data were analysed according to the constant comparative method. FINDINGS: The study generated a core category (We want to promote normal births, but have no power to do it), which means all participants wanted to promote normal births. However, they have been disempowered by the medicalised systems of care. There were also three main categories (different ideologies in the labour ward, the midwives have no power, unempowered women). The participants reported that different ideologies in the labour ward were a challenge to promoting normal births. Their working conditions and education level were not enough to support normal birth. The pregnant women were described as unempowered due to a lack of antenatal education and having a fear of childbirth. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Normal birth could be promoted by enhancing the power and responsibilities of midwives. The women need antenatal education to have a normal birth. The normal birth may promote the enhanced readiness of women and midwives.

Sexual behaviours and education in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome: A grounded theory study of experiences and opinions of their mothers in Turkey.

This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and opinions of mothers about sexual behaviours and sexual education of their children with DS who are AYAs in Turkey. The study utilised a classic grounded theory approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 mothers. Data were analyzed by the constant comparative method. Mothers expressed that they could not address the sexual needs of their child because they did not feel they could provide sufficient care to their child. Mothers used pressure and control tactics and neglect of the sexuality to cope with their children's sexuality. Mothers described their meaning of the sexuality, fear of stigmatization and gender issues as determinant factors on the dealing with the sexuality. They stated their knowledge about sexuality is not enough to provide sexual education. Many cultural issues such as gender, meaning of the sexuality and burden of care was described as determinant factors and difficulties to providing sexual education. Therefore, educational and supportive programmes for parents should be conducted. Comprehensive, valid and individualized sexual education program also should be provided AYAs with DS.

'It was difficult, but our struggle to touch lives gave us strength': The experience of nurses working on COVID-19 wards.

BACKGROUND: Nurses are considered important healthcare professionals during the management of the pandemic process due to the considerable amount of time they spend in the face-to-face nursing of infected patients. To optimise the service of healthcare workers, it is recommended that the mental health needs of the health workforce are addressed. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the experiences and coping strategies of Turkish nurses working in pandemic units. METHODS: A grounded theory design was applied. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 nurses. The data were analysed according to the constant comparative method. RESULTS: The study generated a core category ('It was difficult working in the unknown, but our struggle to touch lives gave us strength'), showing that all nurses felt heroic via the satisfaction of touching patients' lives and uncertain. Four main categories emerged: being caught in the pandemic, empowerment for coping with the struggle, challenges during the coping process and effects of the pandemic on life. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses felt that their profession was sacred and valued by society, and comprehensive support had facilitated the process. Nurses had difficulty in managing their fear of infecting others and adapting to many new elements, the learning process and a lack of understanding of their role as team members. The nurses attending to the pandemic have experienced the effects of COVID-19 on their lives, such as psychological growth, psychological symptoms and being labelled as high risk. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses would be further empowered by government and society's support and acceptance of professionalism in nursing. The findings suggest that the resources for the psychological support of nurses in the pandemic should be increased. Regular and intensive training for nursing is necessary to promote adaptation and efficacy in crisis management.

Comorbid anxiety and depression (CAD) at early stages of the pregnancy. A multicultural cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: When anxiety and depression are comorbid (CAD), symptoms are more severe and the response to treatments is worse. Given the links between mood disorders and poor perinatal outcomes, CAD and its correlates deserve special clinical attention during pregnancy. The main objective of this study was to learn about the prevalence of comorbid anxiety and depression (CAD) in early stages of the pregnancy analyzing the relationship between CAD and cultural and sociodemographic factors. METHODS: We have studied a multicultural sample of 514 Turkish and Spanish pregnant women (264 in Málaga, 102 in Istambul and 148 in Antalya) recruited at the moment of their first pregnancy medical check-up between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. These women completed a questionnaire that included the Turkish or Spanish validated versions of the Edinburg postnatal depression scale (EDS), the state and trait anxiety scale (STAI) and a series of questions related to health status, general mood, and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: We found a CAD prevalence rate of 26.9% and a significant higher prevalence rate among Turkish women (47.6%) when compared to Spanish participants (9.5%) (p<0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that the lack of someone who provided emotional support was the variable that best predicted CAD symptoms. CONCLUSION: The CAD prevalence rate was high and significant differences were found depending on the geographic and cultural context.

The factor structure of the posttraumatic growth inventory in cancer patients in Turkey.

Posttraumatic growth is a positive psychological change that occurs as a result of tackling vital crises. Although cancer is perceived as a fatal disease, the individual's struggle with many negative conditions during diagnosis and treatment can provide positive change and development. The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure of the posttraumatic growth inventory (PTGI) in Turkish cancer patients. This study included 265 cancer patients receiving treatment at the chemotherapy unit of two university hospitals located in northern Turkey. Percentages, frequencies, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to analyse the data, and Cronbach's α measured internal consistency. EFA yielded a five-factor structure: Spiritual and existential change, change in perception of life and selfness, relating to others, personal strength and new possibilities. Fit indices for CFA were root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), 0.06; non-normed fit index (NNFI), 0.92; comparative fit index (CFI), 0.90; root mean residuals (RMR), 0.06; and goodness-of-fit index (GFI), 0.90. The overall Cronbach's α of the scale was 0.93. PTGI was determined as a reliable and valid tool for Turkish cancer patients. PTGI, which has a determined validity and reliability rate, can be used by healthcare professionals working with oncology patients to evaluate the positive psychological growth and changes in cancer patients and determine their adoption rate.