Effects of Relaxation-Focused Nursing Program in Women with Ovarian Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment is a major cause of hospitalization in ovarian cancer. In this process, physical problems, such as pain and changes in respiratory functions, and psychological problems, such as anxiety and stress, may develop. AIM: This study aims to investigate the effects of the Relaxation-Focused Nursing Program on pain, anxiety, lung volume, level of knowledge, and nursing care satisfaction in ovarian cancer surgery. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial in which participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental (preoperative relaxation exercises and education; n = 24) or control (usual nursing care; n =22) groups. The intervention consisted of practicing four sessions of relaxation exercises and education in the hospital for two days before surgery. Data were collected using the Trait and State Anxiety Inventory, Surgical Information Form, and Perioperative Assessment Form. The results were analyzed using the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: The findings showed significant reductions in pain (p = .045) and anxiety scores (p < .001). The level of knowledge means scores were higher in the experimental group, but there was no significant difference between mean scores of spirometer volume and care satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The program was more effective than usual nursing care in preoperative anxiety, pain, and level of knowledge. Although there was no difference between the care satisfaction scores of the patients, the reasons for care satisfaction were different in the program. Developing and implementing care that combines stress reduction interventions and preoperative education can improve the preoperative outcomes of patients.

Feelings, thoughts and experiences of women diagnosed with adnexal mass: A qualitative study.

Adnexal masses have a risk of malignancy, especially in postmenopausal women, thus affecting the physical, psychological, and social lives of women with such masses. In addition, patients require a long duration of hospitalization during treatment. In earlier studies, researchers have focused on the experiences of newly diagnosed women or the side effects of treatment. However, women's experiences during the hospitalization period have been ignored. In this study we explored the feelings, thoughts, experiences, and nursing care needs of women hospitalized with adnexal mass diagnosis. In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with 11 women hospitalized for an adnexal mass or ovarian cancer diagnosis. The feelings, thoughts, and experiences of the women were negatively affected. They were more likely to rely on internal motivation and had lesser expectations of professional support. Thus, nurses should provide women with this diagnosis social support and facilitate their adaptation to the hospital. The diagnosis and treatment of adnexal masses is a complex process that requires teamwork. Therefore, navigator nurses can be of great help to women during their illness.

Effects of Relaxation-Focused Nursing Care in Women in Preterm Labor.

BACKGROUND: Threatened preterm labor is a common problem that causes women to be hospitalized. During this period, physical problems such as a decrease in muscle functions, edema and pain, and psychological problems such as anxiety and stress may develop. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of relaxation-focused nursing care state anxiety, cortisol, contraction severity, nursing care satisfaction, knowledge, and birth weeks on threatened preterm labor. METHOD: This study was a pre-post single-blind randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted with 66 women in the threatened preterm labor process, 33 in the intervention group and 33 in the control group. The intervention group received relaxation-focused nursing care, which comprises a 2-day program in four stages. The data were collected before and after the relaxation-focused nursing care, and after the birth. RESULTS: In the intervention group, state anxiety, cortisol level, and contraction severity were lower than those in the control group (p < .05). The knowledge level about threatened preterm labor, satisfaction from nursing care, and birth weeks were higher in the intervention group (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Relaxation-focused nursing care was found to reduce the state anxiety in women, improve the knowledge level about threatened preterm labor and birth weeks, and decrease the level of cortisol. Therefore, it is recommended to use relaxation-focused nursing care in threatened preterm labor.

The effect of nursing care provided based on the philosophy of hypnobirthing on fear, pain, duration, satisfaction and cost of labor: a single-blind randomized controlled study.

Our aim was, to examine the effect of supportive care provided based on the philosophy of HypnoBirthing during labor fear, pain, duration, satisfaction, and cost. Study was single-blind, randomized controlled trial using a pre-post and control group design. It was conducted with 60 nulliparous women during childbirth. This study showed that the levels of labor fear, pain duration and cost were lower and the levels of satisfaction the labor experience were higher in the intervention group. This care also plays an effective role in reducing the cost of labor. It is recommended that this program should be used during labor.

Feelings, opinions and experiences of Turkish women with infertility: A qualitative study.

Many studies have shown that women's experiences, feelings and opinions during their infertility treatment play an important role in treatment outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to reveal the experiences, feelings and opinions of Turkish women with infertility. The data were collected from two Internet forums between October 2016 and November 2016, and the writings of 26 women were explored. The key words "woman with infertility," "feelings, opinion, experience and blogs" and "infertility and blogs" were browsed. The obtained data were analyzed using the method of content analysis. Those expressing feelings, opinions and experiences were underlined and codes, subthemes and themes were created by three researchers separately. Then they came together, discussed the codes and agreed on the thematic statement. The themes which emerged were psychological changes, changes in social life and changes related to treatment themes. Holistic approach and patient-specific interventions can help turn the abovementioned vicious cycle into positive.

Effects of some characteristics of gynecological cancer diagnosis and treatment on women's sexual life quality.

BACKGROUND: Gynecological cancers can cause changes in women's sexual life. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting sexual quality of life (SQoL) of women with gynecological cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted on 276 women with gynecological cancers in Turkey. Information form and SQoL scale was used in the study. The data were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The SQoL mean score was 68.83 ± 21.17. There was no significant difference in the SQoL mean score according to the individual/sociodemographic characteristics or gynecological cancer-related characteristics. However, it was found that the difference was due to higher SQoL score in the group with a diagnosis time of 25 months and above (KW (Χ2) = 6.356, P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: The reason for significant difference in the SQoL mean score according to diagnosis over time might be that women adapted to cancer diagnosis. For this reason, the SQoL of women with a diagnosis time of < 25 months should be assessed and these women should be supported.

The feelings and experiences of hospitalized patients regarding informal caregivers: a qualitative study.

The purpose of this study was to understand the views of hospitalized patients regarding family/informal caregivers (ICs). In this study thematic content analysis was used, interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded. The 4 themes and 11 subthemes were determined. Themes: Identity of IC, expectations of IC, feelings about the presence or absence of an IC. Along with feeling positive emotions when ICs were present, patients also felt as though they were a burden on caregivers. Family caregivers are an important social support for patients and they may lead to more meaningful patient outcomes globally.

Comparison of Two Different Methods for the Measurement of Gastric Residual Volume.

The objective of this study was to determine the difference between gastric residual volume measurements without giving air compared to giving 30 ml of air via the feeding tube. This experimental study was on 60 subjects fed enterally at a university hospital. Data collection was with the 12-item "Gastric Residual Volume Measurement Instructions" and "Gastric Residual Volume Observation Form." The same subjects composed experimental and control groups. Gastric residual volume measurements were taken before feedings at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. with a 60-ml syringe. First measurement was taken without giving air by withdrawing the syringe piston at 2-3 ml/second. Second measurement was applied by giving 30 ml of air and withdrawing the piston at the same speed. Student's t test was used for data analysis. A total of 180 measurements were made for each method. Gastric residual volume averages were 3.71 ± 7.97 ml without air and 3.78 ± 8.08 ml with air. The difference between averages was statistically significant (p < .05). Difficulties withdrawing the syringe piston without giving air occurred in 85% of the intermittently enterally fed patients and 22.8% of those fed continuously. Gastric residual volume measurements with air were higher than those without air. The aspiration procedure with air was easier. Gastric residual volume measurements should be made with 30 ml of air and by withdrawing the syringe piston at 2-3 ml/minute.

The effect of counselling on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of follow-up counselling on the duration and severity of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN: This study is quasi-experimental and included 62 pregnant women with nausea and vomiting. The group that received counselling was considered to be the experimental group, and the group that received a standard outpatient clinic service was the control group. Data were collected with a demographic data form, that is, the Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy Instrument and Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea. Significance tests of the differences between two mean values, the Mann-Whitney U test and survival analyses were used to test the hypotheses. RESULTS: In pregnant women with mild or moderate nausea and vomiting, nausea and vomiting terminated in a significantly shorter time in the experimental group than in the control group (p <0.001), but this difference was not significant for pregnant women with severe nausea and vomiting (p > 0.05). In addition, the number of weekly telephone follow-ups in the experimental group was significantly smaller (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Counselling effectively reduced the duration and severity of mild or moderate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. However, it did not affect the duration of severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Development and Testing of Women's Perception for the Scale of Supportive Care Given During Labor.

The aim of this study was to develop and validate women's perceptions of the supportive care received during labor. This study had a methodological design. A total of 360 women giving birth at two state hospitals in 2012 participated. Written permission was obtained from the Ethics Committee, the hospitals, and the participants. Data were collected via participant characteristics forms and the Scale of Women's Perception for Supportive Care Given During Labor. Content validity of the scale (0.94) was achieved with expert views. Three factors-comfortable behaviors, education, and disturbing behaviors-were exposed to exploratory factor analysis, and factor loading varied between 0.38 and 0.76. The factor structures were confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's coefficient was 0.94 for the scale, 0.92 for comforting behaviors, 0.85 for education, and 0.87 for disturbing behaviors. The correlation coefficient between the first and second part of the scale was 0.80. Item-total point correlations of the scale varied between 0.42 and 0.77. The scale was valid and reliable for measuring women's perception of supportive care given during labor. It can be used to determine the care aspects that midwives/nurses should develop, to improve the quality of care, and to help women have more positive labor experiences and higher labor satisfaction.

Using a nursing theory or a model in nursing PhD dissertations: a qualitative study from Turkey.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to reveal experiences of nursing students and their advisors using theories and models in their PhD dissertations. METHODS: The study adopted a descriptive qualitative approach. This study was performed with 10 PhD candidates and their five advisors from nursing faculty. RESULTS: The results of the study were categorized into four. These are reasons for using a theory/model in a PhD dissertation, reasons for preferring a given model, causes of difficulties in using models in PhD dissertations, and facilitating factors of using theories and models in PhD of dissertations. CONCLUSIONS: It was also reported to contribute to the methodology of research and professional development of the students and advisors.

Experiences with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy in Turkish women based on roy adaptation model: a content analysis.

PURPOSE: This qualitative study aimed to explore how Turkish women experience nausea and vomiting in pregnancy based on the Roy Adaptation Model. METHODS: To collect data, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 35 pregnant women who had nausea and vomiting. The sample of the study included pregnant women who were in their first 12 weeks of gestation, did not have medical problems and had nausea, retching and/or vomiting for at least the last 3 days. Data were collected in semi-structured interview form based on the Roy Adaptation Model and with a background data sheet. Data were analyzed using direct content analysis. RESULTS: Data were classified into four adaptive modes according to the Roy Adaptation Model. The behaviors in the physiological mode were nausea, vomiting, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, inadequate nutrition, inguinal pain, burning sensation and irritation in the throat, ketosis, and urinary incontinence. The behaviors in the self-concept mode were feeling weak, crying, inadequate self-care, changes in sexual intercourse, and social isolation. The behaviors in the role function mode were being unable to fulfill the responsibilities at home and work. The behaviors in the interdependence mode were dissatisfaction with relationships. CONCLUSION: The study findings help nursing staff detect the stimuli and the behaviors of pregnant women with nausea and vomiting. Further research may evaluate the impact of a counseling program prepared under the guidance of a nursing model on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Effects of vaginal douching education on Turkish women's vaginal douching practice.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal douching (VD) is a very common practice in Turkish culture. This practice is affected by individual and cultural characteristics. PURPOSE: The aim of the research was to determine how the education based on Pender's health promotion model (HPM) affects women's decision to quit vaginal douche and the factors that cause women to continue VD practices. METHODS: The HPM guided the 2-hr education process. The sample has 58 women. RESULTS: As a result, the model education-based HPM helped 69% of women to quit VD practice. It was also determined that education affected women who performed VD to feel clean and to comply with the religion but was less effective in women who had lower education or performed VD to comply with the husband's demand. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, the study showed that the education based on HPM affected the women to change their attitude toward VD and quit it.

Effects of antenatal education on maternal prenatal and postpartum adaptation.

AIM: This paper is a report of a study of the effects of antenatal education on prenatal and postpartum adaptation in a Turkish context. BACKGROUND: Although there have been a number of studies on the effects of antenatal education on pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood, the evidence of its effectiveness is limited and equivocal. There is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of antenatal education on prenatal and postpartum adaptation and whether individual or group education is more beneficial. METHODS: A Roy Adaptation Model-based quasi-experimental study with 120 nulliparous women was conducted between 2006 and 2008. Two experimental groups received either group education or individual education; the control group received standard care. Data were collected using a demographical data form and Lederman's prenatal and postpartum self-evaluation questionnaires. FINDINGS: While there were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of prenatal adaptation, no difference was found in postpartum adaptation. Post hoc analysis showed that women in the experimental groups (individual and group education) were better adapted in the prenatal period compared with those in the control group. CONCLUSION: Roy's adaptation model may be useful as a guide in prenatal adaptation programmes. Group antenatal education might be preferred over individual education because it is less costly.

Nursing care of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: Roy adaptation model.

Nursing theories and conceptual models need to be developed and used in practice for accumulation of nursing knowledge. The authors in this article explain the concepts and nursing process of the Roy adaptation model in light of an example with the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. It is expected that the article will provide guidance for nurses who want to use the model while offering nursing care and conducting research.

An investigation into breastfeeding characteristics of mothers attending childbirth education classes.

PURPOSE: This paper is a report of a study of the effects of breastfeeding education on the breastfeeding success and breastfeeding characteristics of mothers in a Turkish context. METHODS: The research was designed as quasi-experimental. The sample consisted of 93 mothers who participated in (n = 46) and did not participate in childbirth education classes (n= 47). The date was collected between 2005 and 2007. The childbirth education class comprised 16 hours in total. Two hours of this class involved breastfeeding education. The course was carried out with the principles of adult education principles. Data on mothers' breastfeeding were collected in the sixth week postpartum. RESULTS: The majority of the mothers (63.4%) were university graduates. No difference was found between breastfeeding frequency in the control and experimental groups and starting supplemental food. It was found that 80.4% of the women in the experimental group breastfed in line with the techniques. This rate was found to be 48.9% in the control group. It was documented that the first breastfeeding times were earlier in the experimental group, their babies slept longer after being fed, their perceived spouse support was higher, and had even higher perceived breastfeeding success. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the study results it could be argued that attending childbirth preparation class with the husband has a positive effect over breastfeeding. Childbirth education classes will greatly contribute to the health of the society by affecting breastfeeding positively.

Pregnancy planning and antenatal health behaviour: findings from one maternity unit in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the relationship between pregnancy planning and antenatal behaviours. DESIGN AND METHOD: a descriptive study using a questionnaire completed during face-to-face interviews. SETTING: the obstetric and gynaecology department of one public hospital in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: 1355 postpartum women. FINDINGS: of the pregnancies among these women, 71.3% were planned, 17% were unplanned and 11.7% were unwanted. Women with unwanted or unplanned pregnancies smoked more often than the women whose pregnancies were planned; these women were also less likely to take recommended vitamins such as folic acid, and were less likely to have adequate nutrition or gain an appropriate level of weight during pregnancy. Women with unwanted pregnancies tended to attend later for antenatal care, to not attend as often as women with planned or unplanned pregnancies (p<0.01). This study found that pregnancy planning influenced antenatal health behaviour.

Predisposing factors to phlebitis in patients with peripheral intravenous catheters: a descriptive study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the predisposing factors in the development of phlebitis in peripheral intravenous (IV) catheterization sites in patients treated with a variety of IV infusion solutions and drugs. DATA SOURCES: Systematic observation of 568 IV sites inserted for fluid infusion and drug administration in 355 patients in the Department of General Surgery of a University Hospital in Turkey. A data collection tool was based on standards established by the Infusion Nurses Society. Patients' infusion sites were monitored every 24 h during treatment and for 48 h after discontinuation of the IV. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the usual findings in the literature, the authors found that infusion through an infusion pump and insertion of catheters in the veins around the elbow increased the risk of phlebitis. Also, the number of times infusions were started led to an increased rate of phlebitis. However, conflicting results were obtained about the relation between phlebitis, gender, and catheter size. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Phlebitis causes sepsis, pain, additional diagnostic investigations, and treatments, and may lead to increased duration of hospitalization, patient's stress level, and financial burden, as well as increasing staff workload. Advanced practice nurses need to be aware of the factors that increase the likelihood of phlebitis and take appropriate measures to prevent it.

Nursing students' expectations from tutors in PBL and effects of tutors' behaviour on nursing students.

AIM: This study aimed to determine what nursing students expect from tutors in PBL sessions and how tutors' behaviour affects students. METHOD: It was performed in Dokuz Eylul University School of Nursing. The study sample included 21 students. They were assigned to one of three groups. Each group included seven students. Focus group interviews were conducted in a quiet classroom. One researcher conducted interviews and the other observed the interviews and took notes. The interviews were semi-structured. Each interview lasted for 75-90 min and was audio recorded. Data obtained were transcribed verbatim soon after each interview and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Data were coded by two researchers separately and then compared. Following coding, themes and the main themes were determined. FINDINGS: At the end of data analyses, individual tutor characteristics were classified under seven headings: individual characteristics, asking question, expertise, giving information, group dynamics, giving feedback and evaluation. CONCLUSION: Students clearly report that tutors behaviour affected their motivation and success in the PBL.

The effects of different maternal positions on non-stress test: an experimental study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of different maternal positions on non-stress test results and the preferences of mothers for involving positions. BACKGROUND: The non-stress test (NST) has become a common tool in diagnosing fetal risks. The major problem encountered in the application of the non-stress test has been obtaining erroneous non-reactive non-stress test results when, indeed, the fetus is healthy and oxygenation is sufficient. STUDY DESIGN: Experiment design with randomly assigned four positions: supine, left lateral, semi-fowler and sitting up. The sample included 408 women in a university hospital in Turkey. Women were randomly assigned to four groups in equal numbers of 102. Data collection and analysis. Data were collected through two instruments: Demographic and Pregnancy History Form and NST tracing. Main outcome measures were percentage of reactive NST and number of minutes for reactivity in each position. RESULTS: There were significant (P < 0.05) differences among four groups. Supine position showed the least fetal reactivity. In terms of time to reactivity, there were no statistically significant differences. Qualitative data showed that pregnant women were least comfortable in supine position reporting back pain and shortening of breath. CONCLUSION: Supine position yields the lowest non-reactivity in tandem with physical discomfort such as back pain and difficulty in breathing. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Sitting up, semi-fowler and left lateral positions are recommended to be used during the non-stress test. In addition, the preferences of the pregnant women should be determined before the test to minimize discomfort which, when it occurs, may signal physiological alterations experienced during the test.