First death experiences of newly graduated nurses: A qualitative phenomenological study.

Newly graduated nurses typically face death for the first time during the transition to their professional careers. This encounter can cause nurses to experience compelling emotions and make it difficult for them to manage and cope with the process of adaptation to the profession and the death process of the patient. This study aims to retrospectively examine and reveal the first death experiences of newly graduated nurses (N = 15) using a retrospective phenomenological method. Analysis of the responses of the newly graduated nurses revealed three themes: first encounter with death, nothing is like before, and support need. Newly graduated nurses realized that their first death experiences change their perspectives on life and profession and that nursing touches human life.

Influence of technical, cognitive and socio-emotional factors on digital literacy in nursing students assessed using structural equation modeling.

BACKGROUND: Digital literacy is one of the 21st-century skills that nursing students should develop and acquire. Several factors influencing digital literacy have been identified, but the predictive role of technical, cognitive, and socio-emotional factors in digital literacy remains unexplored in nursing students. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the digital literacy level and determine the predictive role of technical, cognitive, and socio-emotional factors in digital literacy among nursing students in Turkey using a structural equation modeling (SEM)-based approach. DESIGN: A web-based, predictive, cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted among first-, second-, third- and fourth-year students in a nursing faculty located in the capital of Turkey in the academic year 2021-2022. PARTICIPANTS: Overall, 210 nursing students were recruited for this study. METHODS: The use of a digital literacy model guided data collection. Data were collected between 8 and 28 June 2022 using online Google Forms. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and SEM. RESULTS: Nursing students' digital literacy mean score was 67.29 (13.60). Internet self-efficacy (ß = 0.31, p < 0.001), online information search strategies (ß = 0.20, p = 0.003), and online privacy concerns (ß = 0.14, p = 0.024) were positive predictors, whereas social media use (ß = -0.13, p = 0.032) was a negative predictor of digital literacy. Among these variables, Internet self-efficacy had the most significant influence on the digital literacy level. The four variables contributed to 22 % of variance in the digital literacy level. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows nursing students' digital literacy level is above average. Our findings suggest that technical, cognitive, and socio-emotional factors influence digital literacy.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Simulation Among BSN Students: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of virtual reality simulation in nursing education in five domains: knowledge, skill performance, self-confidence, self-efficacy, and satisfaction. Randomized controlled trials were obtained from the databases SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCO from inception until September 2021. The standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were determined for the main variables, and heterogeneity was analyzed using the I2 test. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) Checklist was used. Meta-analysis was performed using the Stata 15.0 software. Among the 2074 records identified, 18 trials were included. The meta-analysis of these trials indicated that virtual reality simulation caused a significant improvement in knowledge with a moderate effect, skill performance with a moderate effect, and satisfaction with a moderate effect compared with the control group. However, virtual reality simulation did not significantly influence self-confidence and self-efficiency. The findings of this study suggested that virtual reality simulation might significantly benefit knowledge, skill performance, and satisfaction but not self-confidence and self-efficiency. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials with a larger sample size are recommended to confirm these findings.

Effects of warm or cold compresses applied to the legs during hemodialysis on cramps, fatigue, and patient comfort: A placebo-controlled randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle cramps and fatigue are common complications in hemodialysis patients and have been associated with reduced patient comfort. Among the complementary therapies advocated for the management of these complications have been the application of warm or cold compresses to the extremities during a hemodialysis treatment. In this study, we compared the effects of warm or cold compresses application on cramping, fatigue, and patient comfort. METHODS: This placebo-controlled randomized trial was done in 69 patients, who were stratified and randomly allocated to three treatment arms. Two of the three groups included an intervention; application of either warm (n = 23) or cold (n = 23) compresses to the extremities during dialysis. The third group served as a placebo control (n = 23). The study period comprised 12 hemodialysis sessions. One week after the completion of the intervention, a follow-up dialysis session was also evaluated. Data were collected at baseline (t0 ), during each of 12 intervention sessions (t1 -t12 ), and at the follow-up session t13 . Cramps, fatigue, and patient comfort were evaluated using the Cramp Episode Follow-up Chart, Piper's Fatigue Scale, and the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale, respectively. RESULTS: In both the intervention and follow-up sessions, cramping and fatigue were lower, and comfort was higher in each of the intervention groups compared to placebo controls Application of warm compresses was superior to use of cold compresses. DISCUSSION: Both warm and cold compress administration reduced muscle cramps, fatigue, and hemodialysis comfort in hemodialysis patients.

Determining the predictors of nursing students' xenophobic tendency toward refugees.

BACKGROUND: Xenophobia is an important role in affecting the professional development of nursing students and the health of refugees. However, factors contributing to xenophobia levels in nursing students remain undetermined. AIM: To determine the predictors and levels of xenophobia in nursing students toward refugees. METHOD: Our cross-sectional descriptive study included nursing students (n = 265) from Turkey. Data were collected using the "Participant Information Form", "Xenophobia Scale", "Ethnocentrism Scale", and "Intergroup Social Contact Scale". Structural equation modeling and regression analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: 86.0 % of the participants were female and students' xenophobia scale mean score was 50.89 (SD = 9.59) at a high level. Nursing students living in the city center showed a higher level of xenophobia than those living in the village/town (ß = 3.327). Nursing students with an immigrant family member displayed a lower level of xenophobia than those who did not (ß = 3.461). Both ethnocentrism and intergroup social contact exerted a direct effect on xenophobia. Ethnocentrism (ß = 0.193, p < 0.001) was found to be a positive predictor of xenophobia levels in students. Intergroup social contact (ß = -0.400, p < 0.001) was found to be a negative predictor of xenophobic levels in students. CONCLUSION: This study showed that ethnocentrism and intergroup social contact exerted direct effects on the xenophobic levels in nursing students. Our study also revealed that living in the city center and having an immigrant family member affected the level of xenophobia in such a sample.

The Effects of Cooling Therapies on Fatigue, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis examined the effects of the cooling therapies on fatigue, physical activity, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Articles published between 2000 and 2020 were searched in six databases. The standardized mean differences were determined by the upper and lower limits of 95% confidence intervals. Publication bias was assessed by conducting the Egger test, which uses linear regression. Publication bias was examined visually using a funnel plot. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. The types of cooling therapies included cooling garment ( n = 4), cooling device ( n = 2), cooling room ( n = 1), precooling ( n = 1), and cold water ingestion ( n = 1). The results indicated a significant decrease in fatigue and an increase in physical activity following cooling therapy. Cooling therapies improved the QoL of patients with MS. The Egger test indicated no significant publication bias. However, the funnel plot presented a slight asymmetry among studies. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cooling therapies have a beneficial effect on fatigue, physical activity, and the QoL of patients with MS. Healthcare professionals can use cooling methods to manage thermosensitive symptoms in patients with MS.

Examination of family caregivers of advanced cancer patients within the scope of the cancer family caregiving experience model: An embedded mixed-methods design.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the stressors and contextual factors that affect the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of advanced cancer patients and to address their caregiving experiences. METHODS: The study had an embedded mixed-methods design and was conducted in the medical oncology unit of a training and research hospital in Turkey. In the quantitative phase, 125 patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers were included. In the qualitative phase, 21 family caregivers were included. The analysis of quantitative data was carried out using SPSS 25.0 statistical program, and qualitative data were carried out using Collaizi's seven-step descriptive analysis approach. QoL was determined as the dependent variable and evaluated with Caregiver QoL Index-Cancer (CQOLC). RESULTS: The symptoms, care dependency of patients, and preparedness to the care of caregivers showed a direct impact on the CQOLC. Income level, employment status, and daily caregiving hours demonstrated a direct effect on the CQOLC. Four themes emerged from the interviews: Understanding the dynamics of the caregiving process, losing control of life during the caregiving process, limitation of socio-economic freedom in the caregiving process, and the effort to hold on to life in the caregiving process. CONCLUSION: The cancer family caregiving experience model is a useful model for evaluating the QoL of caregivers from a multidimensional perspective. Health care professionals should not forget that the QoL of family caregivers should be evaluated in multiple ways, and education programmes for family members should be structured.

The Effects of Relaxation Techniques on Pain, Fatigue, and Kinesiophobia in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A 3-Arm Randomized Trial.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In addition to the available medical treatment options, multiple sclerosis (MS) patients may tend toward complementary and integrative therapies. Relaxation techniques are a nonpharmacological and side-effect-free therapy option currently available to alleviate the symptoms of many different chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the effects of relaxation techniques on the pain, fatigue, and kinesiophobia in MS patients. METHODS: This 3-arm randomized controlled trial consisted of 80 MS patients. Relaxation techniques, progressive muscle relaxation and Benson relaxation technique were applied to 2 intervention groups, the third was the control group. The study lasted 12 weeks, and the patient information form, visual analog scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia were used for data collection. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in pain, fatigue, and kinesiophobia levels in the intervention groups compared with the control group (P < .05). Progressive muscle relaxation was more effective than Benson relaxation technique (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Relaxation techniques are recommended for the management of symptoms of pain, fatigue, and kinesiophobia, which can often cause disability in MS patients, because they have no side effects and are practical administrations. These exercises are also promising in the rehabilitation process of MS patients.

Interventions to Improve the Preparedness to Care for Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Preparedness for caregiving could balance the negative impacts of caregiving. The interventions aimed at increasing readiness among the caregivers are important during the illness period for both patients and their caregivers. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to review the interventions applied to the caregivers of cancer patients and to examine the effects of these interventions on the preparedness to care. METHODS: The ScienceDirect, Scopus, CENTRAL, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and PubMed were searched for relevant studies published between 2000 and 2020. The methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. The statistical analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 3.0. The publication bias was assessed using the Egger test, for funnel plots. RESULTS: Eleven studies were selected for the meta-analysis, including those about psychoeducation programs (n = 5), education programs (n = 3), supportive programs (n = 2), and a self-care support program for the caregivers (n = 1). The methodological quality assessment revealed 2 studies as "strong." The results indicated an increase in the caregivers' preparedness to care after the interventions. The subgroup analysis revealed that the programs with higher ratios of female caregivers were more effective. CONCLUSION: The interventions applied to the family caregivers can exert beneficial effects on caregivers' preparedness to care. Nonetheless, future studies should focus on methodological issues, such as randomization and blinding. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurse-driven interventions may be used as a useful strategy to improve the preparedness to care among the caregivers of cancer patients. The male caregivers should be closely followed by healthcare professionals for knowledge and support needs.

Multidimensional factors affecting medication adherence among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of socioeconomic-, patient-, treatment-, condition- and health system-related factors on medication adherence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). BACKGROUND: Medication adherence is essential for the management of chronic diseases. The World Health Organization created a Multidimensional Adherence Model (MAM) and showed that medication adherence is affected by a combination of numerous factors. DESIGN: A descriptive correlational study was conducted. METHODS: A total of 114 patients with COPD were included. Data were collected on five dimensions based on the MAM framework. Medication adherence, self-efficacy and symptoms were evaluated using the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale-7 (ARMS-7), COPD Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT), respectively. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlational statistics and structural equation modelling. The STROBE checklist was used. RESULTS: The ARMS-7 scores were associated with the body mass index of patients (F = 4.245, p = .017), smoke pack-years (r = .277, p = .004) and the CSES total score (ß = -0.249, p = .002) in patient-related factors. The ARMS-7 score was not associated with socio-economic and health system-related factors. The ARMS-7 score showed a significant correlation between COPD diagnosis duration (r = -.276, p = .003) and the total number of drugs (r = -.215, p = .022) in treatment-related factors. The ARMS-7 scores were associated with the number of comorbid illnesses of patients with COPD in condition-related factors (F = 3.533, p = .033). CONCLUSION: This study showed that medication adherence in COPD was mostly affected by patient-, treatment- and condition-related factors. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals should establish training and counselling programs to increase the medication adherence level of patients, particularly for patients who are newly diagnosed, require multiple drugs and have comorbid diseases or low self-efficacy.

Biopsychosocial Factors Predicting Pain Among Individuals Experiencing the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

BACKGROUND: Pain is one of the most common symptoms of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Being both a physical and a psychological experience, pain is affected by many factors, including biological, psychological, and social rather than a single variable. AIMS: To determine the effects of biological, psychological, and social factors on pain level among participants experiencing with the COVID-19. DESIGN: A web-based, retrospective, and descriptive study SETTING: Social media sources such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and E-mail PARTICIPANTS: One hundred forty-nine participants were included. METHODS: Data were collected based on the biopsychosocial model. Pain level was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). The data were analyzed using descriptive, correlational statistics, and structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 32.87 (SD = 11.32) years. The VAS scores were associated with gender (Z = -2.103, p = .035), and chronic disease status (Z = 3.001, p = .003), and the Chalder Fatigue Scale total score (ß = 0.718, p < .001) associated with biological factors. The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale scores among psychological factors showed a direct impact on the VAS scores (ß = 0.583, p < .001). The Patterns of Activity Measure-Pain total score examined within social factors directly affected the VAS score. The VAS score did not correlate with age, smoking status, hospitalization status, respiratory support, marital status, education level, employment, and income status. CONCLUSIONS: The pain level in COVID-19 participants was determined by biological, psychological, and social factors. Females and participants with chronic illness, anxiety, fatigue, and low physical activity were found to experience high levels of pain. Education and counseling programs for pain management should be comprehensively structured and include anxiety reduction programs, and fatigue management.

'The body seems to have no life': The experiences and perceptions of fatigue among patients after COVID-19.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at determining the perception of fatigue among patients with a history of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a long-lasting distressing symptom. It is a multidimensional symptom consisting of several factors, including physiological, psychological, social and environmental. It is vital to examine and understand the perception of fatigue among post-COVID-19 participants. DESIGN: A descriptive phenomenological design. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 14 post-COVID-19 participants that were recruited using criterion sampling. The fatigue levels of the participants were determined using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), and those with a fatigue score above 12 were interviewed. All the interviews were conducted with a smartphone due to the COVID-19. The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist was used. RESULTS: The age of the participants varied from 24 to 67 years, with the majority of the participants being female (n = 8). The COVID-19 duration ranged from one to 11 months, and the CFS scores varied between 14 and 33. Four themes emerged following the qualitative data analysis: a new symptom beyond fatigue, fatigue increases dependency in daily life, fatigue impedes sociability and a way to hold on to life's regular rhythms. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that fatigue in post-COVID-19 participants is a new experience that is difficult to define and manage and overwhelmingly affects the physical and social aspects of life. Participants look for new ways to live with fatigue and turn to traditional methods and psychosocial strategies. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study revealed the miscellaneous aspects of fatigue in post-COVID-19 participants. Nurses should evaluate fatigue with a holistic approach that includes its physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects. Nurses can play an active role in the management of fatigue, which is a very common symptom in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation on Neuropathic Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation on the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), fatigue, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: An assessor-blinded prospective randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to the relaxation group (RG; n = 28), meditation group (MG; n = 25), or control group (CG; n = 24). The mean age of participants was 64.2 ± 8.1 years in the RG, 61.6 ± 8.0 years in the MG, and 64.1± 6.6 years in the CG. Patients in the intervention groups performed progressive muscle relaxation or mindfulness meditation at their home for 12 weeks, 20 min daily. The CG received only an attention-matched controlled education on pancreas anatomy and diabetes. Data collection was performed at baseline and at weeks 12 and 14 using the VAS, FACIT Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F), and Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life Questionnaire (NePIQoL). FINDINGS: VAS scores were significantly lower in the RG and MG at week 12 (p < .05) and were statistically significant in the RG at week 14. Additionally, fatigue severity decreased significantly in the RG at weeks 12 and 14, compared to that in the CG (p < .05). While no significant difference was found in the quality of life scores between the study groups at weeks 12 and 14 (p > .05), a significant improvement in quality of life scores in the RG were provided at week 12 compared to those at baseline and week 14 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Both progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation had a positive impact on providing pain relief in patients with DPNP. Moreover, progressive muscle relaxation also appeared to have a beneficial effect on fatigue. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on the results, progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation can be recommended as supportive therapies for the management of DPNP.

Relationship between symptom burden, medication adherence and spiritual well-being in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between symptom burden, medication adherence and spiritual well-being in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). BACKGROUND: The relationship between spirituality and medication adherence has been investigated in different chronic conditions. However, the relationship between symptom burden, medication adherence and spiritual well-being in patients with COPD has not been explored. DESIGN: A descriptive correlational study design was adopted. METHODS: A total of 112 patients with COPD were included in the study. Data were collected using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale-7 (ARMS-7) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp). The data were analysed using descriptive and correlational statistics. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Checklist was used. RESULTS: The CAT score was significantly higher in patients on long-term oxygen therapy and those who had more than three comorbid conditions (p < .05). The mean score of ARMS-7 was significantly associated with age (p < .05). Current smokers had higher ARMS-7 and lower FACIT-Sp scores (p < .001). The FACIT-Sp score was negatively and moderately associated with the CAT and ARMS-7 scores (p < .001). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that individuals with higher spiritual well-being had lower symptom burden and higher medication adherence. The need for long-term oxygen therapy and a high number of comorbid conditions were associated with increased symptom burden. Current smokers had lower spiritual well-being and medication adherence. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Spiritual well-being should be evaluated when assessing symptom burden and medication adherence in clinical practice. In addition, further studies examining the causal relationship between symptom burden, spiritual well-being and medication adherence in different populations are warranted.

Effects of progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation on fatigue, coping styles, and quality of life in early breast cancer patients: An assessor blinded, three-arm, randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and mindfulness meditation (MM) on fatigue, coping styles, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with early breast cancer receiving adjuvant paclitaxel. METHODS: The participants were randomly assigned to either a 12-week (PMR) (n = 31) and MM (n = 32) interventions or control group (CG) (n = 29). The intervention groups continued PMR or MM for 20-min every day, for a total of 12 weeks. The CG received only a single time attention-matched education (15-min) on breast cancer before the start of the paclitaxel regimen. Data collection tools included the Patient Information Form, Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Brief COPE, and Functional Living Index-Cancer (FLIC). Data were collected at baseline, week 12, and week 14. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the BFI scores was reported in the PMR and MM groups when compared with the CG at weeks 12 and 14 (p = .002). Similarly, the use of emotional support and positive reframing sub-dimension scores of Brief COPE were significantly higher in the PMR and MM than in the CG at weeks 12 (p = .017) and 14 (p = .042). Furthermore, the planning and active coping sub-dimension scores were significantly higher in the PMR and MM than in the CG at week 14 (p = .000). Regarding QOL scores, no significant differences were observed between the groups at weeks 12 (p = .486) and 14 (p = .095). CONCLUSIONS: PMR and MM are effective interventions that if initiated concurrently with the adjuvant paclitaxel demonstrate similar effects on fatigue and coping styles.

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy with classical massage in breast cancer patients receiving paclitaxel: An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This assessor-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial aimed at investigating the effect of classical massage on chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy and the quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant paclitaxel. METHODS: A total of 40 female breast cancer patients were randomly allocated to the classical massage group (CMG) or the control group (CG). Classical massage was applied to the patients in the CMG before each paclitaxel infusion. The CG received only usual care. Presence of peripheral neuropathic pain and QOL were assessed at baseline and weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) findings were also recorded at baseline and week 12. RESULTS: The peripheral neuropathic pain was lower in the CMG compared to the CG at week 12 (p < 0.05). The sensory and motor sub-scale scores of the QOL measure showed statistically significant differences over time in favor of the CMG (p < 0.05). Sensory action potential amplitude of the median nerve was significantly higher and the tibial nerve latency was significantly shorter in the CMG compared to the CG at week 12. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that classical massage successfully prevented chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain, improved the QOL, and showed beneficial effects on the NCS findings.

Usage and attitudes related to complementary and alternative medicine among Turkish academicians on the basis of the five-factor model of personality: A multi-centered study.

OBJECTIVES: As the popularity of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) is increasing, it is important to understand the characteristics of people that make them to be attracted toward CAM and influence their attitudes. The purpose of the present study was to examine the associations between the socio-demographic characteristics of people as assessed by the a five-factor model and the attitudes toward CAM modalities among Turkish academicians. DESIGN: An online survey was completed by 227 academicians who were working in three leading universities of Turkey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The academicians were queried anonymously on socio-demographics and which CAM modalities they utilized, by filling out the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) and the Holistic Complementary and Alternative Health Questionnaire (HCAMQ). RESULTS: In regard to the intention of using a CAM modality in the academicians, 75.3% of the academicians specified an intention to use at least one form of CAM in their lives. Among all the academicians surveyed, 38.8% reported using at least one form of CAM in the previous year. The most widely used forms of CAM observed were herbal therapies and mind-body therapies (18.5%), touch-based therapies (15.4%), and multi-vitamin (4.8%). The ratio of CAM usage in the previous year was observed to be lower in the academicians working in the health-related professions. The present study also identified that the academicians with openness personality-type exhibited greater positive attitudes toward CAM (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study indicated that the academicians who are open to experience, as assessed by the five-factor model of personality, exhibited greater positive attitudes toward CAM. More than 60% of academicians agreed that CAM should be integrated into the curriculum, the remaining participants were unsure and disagreed. Therefore, the required feasibility studies to integrate CAM courses into the curriculum of Turkish medical and nursing schools are recommended as a priority.

Effect of Inhalation Aromatherapy on Procedural Pain and Anxiety After Needle Insertion Into an Implantable Central Venous Port Catheter: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Needle insertion into an implantable central venous port catheter may lead to procedural pain and anxiety in cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of inhalation aromatherapy on procedural pain and anxiety after needle insertion into an implantable central venous port catheter. METHODS: This study included 123 cancer patients who were scheduled to undergo chemotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either the lavender group (n = 41), the eucalyptus group (n = 41), or a control group (n = 41). Participants in the intervention groups inhaled 3 drops of essential oil for 3 minutes before needle insertion into an implantable venous port catheter. Patients in the control group received no intervention before needle insertion. Data were collected using the visual analog scale (VAS) and State Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: The average VAS scores of the lavender group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .05). There were no significant differences in the average VAS scores between the eucalyptus group and the control group (P > .05). In addition, the average State Anxiety Inventory scores of the lavender group, the eucalyptus group, and the control group were not significantly different (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Inhalation aromatherapy with lavender may be an effective technique to relieve pain related to needle insertion into an implantable central venous port catheter. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Inhalation aromatherapy with lavender oil may be useful in the management of procedural pain levels during needle procedure. However, further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate this study.

Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain and Fatigue in Patients Receiving Oxaliplatin: An Open Label Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients receiving oxaliplatin may experience peripheral neuropathic pain and fatigue. Aromatherapy massage, a nonpharmacological method, may help to control these symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this open-label, parallel-group, quasi-randomized controlled pilot study was to investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain and fatigue in patients receiving oxaliplatin. METHODS: Stratified randomization was used to allocate 46 patients to 2 groups: intervention (n = 22) and control (n = 24). Between week 1 and week 6, participants in the intervention group (IG) received aromatherapy massage 3 times a week. There was no intervention in weeks 7 and 8. The control group (CG) received routine care. Neuropathic pain was identified using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions; severity of painful paresthesia was assessed with the numerical rating scale; fatigue severity was identified with the Piper Fatigue Scale. RESULTS: At week 6, the rate of neuropathic pain was significantly lower in the IG, when compared with the CG. The severity of painful paresthesia based on numerical rating scale in the IG was significantly lower than that in the CG at weeks 2, 4, and 6. At week 8, fatigue severity in the IG was significantly lower when compared with CG (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy massage may be useful in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain and fatigue. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This pilot study suggests that aromatherapy massage may be useful to relieve neuropathic pain and fatigue. However, there is a need for further clinical trials to validate the results of this study.

The Preliminary Effects of Massage and Inhalation Aromatherapy on Chemotherapy-Induced Acute Nausea and Vomiting: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite pharmacological treatment, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are observed in patients. OBJECTIVE: This quasi-randomized controlled pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effects of massage and inhalation aromatherapies on chemotherapy-induced acute nausea/vomiting. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with breast cancer were randomly grouped into 1 of 3 groups: massage (n = 25), inhalation (n = 25), and control (n = 25). The patients in the massage group received 20-minute aromatherapy foot massage, whereas those in the inhalation group received 3-minute inhalation aromatherapy before their second, third, and fourth chemotherapy cycles. The control group underwent only the routine treatment. A nausea, vomiting, and retching patient follow-up form was used to evaluate nausea severity by visual analog scale and frequency of vomiting and retching. RESULTS: The incidence of nausea and retching was significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups in the third and fourth chemotherapy cycles (P < .001). Furthermore, in these 2 cycles, the incidence of nausea and retching was significantly lower in the massage group than in the inhalation group (P < .001). Nausea severity was significantly lower among patients in the massage and inhalation groups than in the control group in all 3 cycles (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Nausea severity was significantly lower in the massage and inhalation aromatherapy groups than in the control group. Nausea and retching incidence was reduced in the aromatherapy groups compared with that in the control group. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nonpharmacological approaches are recommended for managing CINV. Massage and inhalation aromatherapy seems promising regarding the management of CINV.