The use of complementary and alternative medicine and approaches to coping with stress in women with breast cancer: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to reveal the approaches to coping with stress of women with breast cancer and the factors predicting these approaches, to determine the prevalence and characteristics of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), and to examine the relationship between use of CAM and approaches to coping with stress. METHODS: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted among 328 women with breast cancer at a training and research hospital in Türkiye. Data were collected with the "Descriptive Information Form" and the "Stress Coping Styles Scale (SCSS)". RESULTS: Women's SCSS score was 47.26±6.39 (effective) and 37.76±6.33 (ineffective). The SCSS score were not significantly different between CAM users and non-CAM users (p>0.05). The prevalence of CAM use was 36%, the most common types of CAM were herbal products (55.1%) and prayer (33.8%) and the reasons for using CAM were for relaxation (symptomatic) (43.2%). As a result of multivariate logistic regression analysis, level of income, working, number of living children, receiving chemotherapy, receiving surgery, having a family history of cancer, and the interest of their partner after the disease were associated with effective coping with stress (p<0.05, adjusted R2=0.08, 0.05, and 0.33 respectively). Working, receiving chemotherapy, receiving surgery, stage of cancer, and having a history of cancer in a social environment were associated with ineffective coping with stress (p<0.05, adjusted R2=0.14 and 0.11 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: One-third of women were using CAM and had a good level of approaches to coping with stress. Healthcare providers, especially gynecology-oncology nurses, should provide counseling on CAMs and develop strategies for coping with stress for women with breast cancer.

The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Coping with Stress by Patients with Gynecological Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study in Türkiye.

INTRODUCTION: Gynecological cancers are long-term, challenging, and stressful diseases. In Türkiye, the majority of patients with gynecological cancer use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Considering the stress that gynecological cancer patients are exposed to, patients need to know how to cope with stress. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the use of CAM and coping with stress by patients with gynecological cancer and the relationships between them and the factors that predict the approaches to coping with stress in women with gynecological cancer in Türkiye. METHODS: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The study was conducted with 204 patients between April and August 2022. The data of the study were collected by face-to-face interview and filled out by the patients using the Descriptive Information Form and the Stress Coping Styles Scale (SCSS). Number, percentage, mean, χ2, one-way ANOVA, t test, and the Spearman correlation analysis were used in the data analysis. To analyze the multivariate independent associations between variables, a multivariate ordinal logistic regression model was used, with the SCSS domains as dependent variables. A 95% confidence interval was calculated, and all statistical tests had an alpha level of 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 58.38 ± 12.64 years (32-80). The prevalence of CAM use by patients was 39.2%, and the most common types of CAM were herbal products (43.8%) and supplication (42.5%). The reasons for using CAM were relaxation (symptomatic)-feeling healthy (63.8%) and treating cancer (36.2%). No statistically significant difference was found between the use of CAM and their approaches to coping with stress (p > 0.05). As a result of multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis, education level under high school, having ovary, cervix, and endometrium cancer, being in the first stage of cancer, receiving chemotherapy, receiving surgical treatment, having another cancer patient in the social environment and increased interest in a partner after the diagnosis of cancer was associated with an effective coping with stress (p < 0.05, adjusted R2 = 0.27, 0.79, and 0.32, respectively). Not working, experiencing an abortion, having another cancer patient in their social environment, being in the third stage of cancer, having an extended family, and living in a rural area of residence were associated with ineffective coping with stress (p < 0.05, adjusted R2 = 0.20 and 0.24, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAM use by patients was low. While determining the approaches of the patients to cope with stress, their education level, place of residence, family type, diagnosis of cancer, stage of cancer, treatment, partner support, and stressful life events should be considered. As nurses, we need to be more knowledgeable about the use of CAM to provide correct guidance to our patients for access to accurate and effective information. We need to determine our patients' stressors and how our patients cope with stress.Gynäkologische Krebserkrankungen sind langfristige, herausfordernde und belastende Krankheiten. In der Türkei nehmen die meisten Patientinnen mit gynäkologischen Krebserkrankungen Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin in Anspruch. Angesichts der großen Belastungen, denen Patientinnen mit gynäkologischen Krebserkrankungen ausgesetzt sind, müssen sie wissen, wie sie mit Stress umgehen können.Mit dieser Studie sollen die Inanspruchnahme von Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin und die Stressbewältigung von Patientinnen mit gynäkologischer Krebserkrankung ermittelt werden und es sollen die Zusammenhänge zwischen diesen beiden Aspekten und den prädiktiven Faktoren für die Ansätze zur Stressbewältigung bei Frauen mit gynäkologischer Krebserkrankung untersucht werden.Es handelt sich um eine deskriptive Querschnittsstudie. Die Studie wurde mit 204 Patientinnen zwischen April und August 2022 durchgeführt. Die Erhebung der Studiendaten erfolgte durch persönliche Befragung und mithilfe des deskriptiven Informationsformulars sowie der Stress Coping Styles-Skala, die die Patientinnen ausfüllten. Für die Datenanalyse wurden Anzahl, Prozentanteil, Mittelwert, Chi-Quadrat-Test, einfaktorielle ANOVA, t Test und die Spearman-Korrelationsanalyse verwendet. Zur Analyse der multivariaten unabhängigen Zusammenhänge zwischen den Variablen wurde ein multivariates ordinales logistisches Regressionsmodell verwendet mit den SCSS (Stress Coping Styles-Skala)-Domänen als abhängigen Variablen. Es wurde ein 95%-Konfidenzintervall berechnet, und das Signifikanzniveau betrug für alle statistischen Tests α = 0.05.Das Durchschnittsalter der Patientinnen betrug 58.38 ± 12.64 Jahre (32­80 Jahre). Die Prävalenz der Inanspruchnahme von Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin (CAM) durch die Patientinnen lag bei 39.2%, und die häufigsten CAM-Arten waren pflanzliche Produkte (43.8%) und Bittgebete (42.5%). Die Gründe für die Inanspruchnahme von Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin waren Entspannung (symptomatisch), das Gefühl von Gesundheit (63.8%) und die Behandlung der Krebserkrankung (36.2%). Es fand sich kein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied zwischen der Inanspruchnahme von Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin und ihren Ansätzen zur Stressbewältigung (p > 0.05). Die multivariate ordinale logistische Regressionsanalyse zeigte, dass ein Bildungsniveau unterhalb der Oberstufe sowie Ovarial-, Zervix- und Endometriumkarzinom, Krebs im Anfangsstadium, Chemotherapie, operative Behandlung, eine andere Krebspatientin im sozialen Umfeld und ein gesteigertes Interesse an einem Partner nach der Krebsdiagnose mit effektiver Stressbewältigung assoziiert waren (p < 0.05, adjustiertes R2 = 0.27, 0.79 bzw. 0.32). Fehlende Berufstätigkeit, Fehlgeburt/Schwangerschaftsabbruch, eine andere Krebspatientin im sozialen Umfeld, eine Krebserkrankung im dritten Stadium, eine Großfamilie zu haben und in einer ländlichen Gegend zu leben waren mit ineffektiver Stressbewältigung verbunden (p < 0.05, adjustiertes R2 = 0.20 bzw. 0.24).Die Prävalenz der Inanspruchnahme von Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin durch die Patientinnen war gering. Bei der Ermittlung der Ansätze der Patientinnen zur Stressbewältigung sollten ihr Bildungsniveau, ihr Wohnort, ihr Familientyp, die Krebsdiagnose, das Krebsstadium, die Behandlung, die Unterstützung durch den Partner und belastende Lebensereignisse berücksichtigt werden. Als Pflegekräfte müssen wir mehr über die Inanspruchnahme von Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin wissen, um unsere Patientinnen in Hinblick auf den Zugang zu genauen und wirksamen Informationen die richtige Orientierungshilfe zu geben. Wir müssen die Stressfaktoren unserer Patientinnen ermitteln und herausfinden, wie unsere Patientinnen mit Stress umgehen.

Analysis of awareness of gynaecological cancers In women using social media.

This study aimed to use social media to investigate the relationship between the demographic, obstetric and gynaecological characteristics and the awareness of gynaecological cancer among women. The data were collected between 1st March and May 2018 using an internet-baseline survey/surveymonkey/google form. The sample was consisted of 1227 women who were literate, active social media users and had volunteered to participate in the study via social media. The GCAS scores of women who were in the age range 20-24 years, primary school graduates, no social security, were not pregnant, had a miscarriage, did not examine their external genital organs, had not entered the menopause and who did not use any family planning methods, were lower than the other women. The GCA of the women was found to be high.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine in pregnancy and labour pain: a cross-sectional study from turkey.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by and attitudes towards CAM of Turkish women during pregnancy and birth. METHODS: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study that included 260 women who gave birth in a university hospital. The Personal Information Form and Complementary, Alternative and Conventional Medicine Attitudes Scale (CACMAS) were used as data collection tools. RESULTS: A total of 71.5% of the pregnant women received CAM. Phytotherapy, spiritual meditation and therapeutic touch techniques were the most frequently used techniques. A total of 42.7% women used herbal products. The mean score of the women on the CACMAS scale was 108.37 ± 7.71; this result indicates that pregnant women had a positive attitude. There were significant differences in attitudes according to marital status, education level and place of residence. It was determined that there was a significant difference in the CACMAS scores of the women according to the symptoms experienced during pregnancy, CAM use during pregnancy and the concerns about triggering preterm birth by using CAM methods (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the women commonly used CAM methods during pregnancy, the rate of using these methods during birth considerably decreased. Despite such widespread use, pregnant women have concerns about CAM methods. Therefore, health professionals must actively provide counselling on CAM methods for the protection of maternal and infant health.

Awareness about Gynecologic Cancers and Related Factors among Healthy Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The risk of cancer-related mortality and morbidity decreases when women are aware of the risk factors for gynecologic cancers and implement strategies such as attending relevant early screening programs. This cross-sectional study conducted between August 2017 and August 2018 at a public hospital in Turkey aimed to determine the awareness about gynecologic cancers among healthy women by utilized the Krieger's ecosocial theory as a framework for the study. The study included 554 Turkish women aged 18-65 years. Data were collected using the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS) and a questionnaire designed in this study. Significant differences were noted between the average GCAS score and variables such as the amount of menstrual bleeding, entering menopause, a history of reproductive system disease, regular gynecological examination (including Pap test), regular vaginal self-examination, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), genital hygiene behavior, the fear of having cancer, having knowledge about cancer, and requiring information about cancer (p < .05). Despite the high level of awareness about gynecologic cancer among these women, the lack of proper knowledge and preventive measures was high. Having knowledge about gynecologic cancers results in increased awareness; however, the level of knowledge is not sufficient to prevent gynecologic cancers, which shows the need for sufficient and effective cancer screening and education programs.

Turkish nursing students' attitudes towards voluntary induced abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Turkish nursing students' attitudes towards voluntary induced abortion.. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2015, comprising students of Ege University Nursing Faculty and Celal Bayar University School of Health, located in two different cities of Turkey. Data was collected with a three-part questionnaire, focussing on students' characteristics, the knowledge of abortion law in Turkey and attitudes towards voluntary induced abortion. SPSS 15 was used for data analysis.. RESULTS: The mean score of students' attitude towards voluntary induced abortion was 39.8±7.9 which shows that nursing students moderately support abortion. Female students, students coming from upper class in society, and students who had higher family income and sexual experiences had more supportiveness attitudes towards voluntary induced abortion (p<0.05). Those who lived in a village before university life, who had extended family, and students of parents with low educational level, had lower score in this regard (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nursing students should be encouraged to behave non-judgmentally to women who want to have abortion.

Determination of the Health Belief and Attitude of Women Regarding Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Exam.

OBJECTIVE: This study has been carried out with the purpose of determining the belief and attitude of women regarding breast cancer and breast self-exam and the factors which affect the performance frequency of breast self-exam and it is a descriptive kind of study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data has been collected through questionnaire forms created by the researchers based on literature information and Champion Health Belief Model Scale. Data collection was collected via face-to-face interviews with the patients. Questionnaire forms were applied to 350 women who accepted to participate in the study. Data was analyzed frequency, percentage, t-test and x2 test with SPSS for Windows 12.0. RESULTS: Average age of women who were included in the study was found to be 33.25±10.27. Average point for the sensitivity sub-dimension of the women within the scope of study was 7.79±2.38, average score for the seriousness sub-dimension 23.30±5.82, average score for the benefit sub-dimension 15.48±4.03, average score for the obstacle sub-dimension was 26.34±7.64, average score of health motivation sub-dimension was 32.77±9.11 and average score for the self-confidence sub-dimension was 25.20±5.02. CONCLUSION: The beliefs of women regarding the subject should be developed by providing in-service training regarding breast cancer and breast self-exam. It can be suggested that studies be carried out analyzing the effect of the attempts for increasing the performance frequency of breast self-exam of women on the beliefs and attitudes.

Traditional practices and beliefs regarding nutrition of children in the 0-5 age group in western Turkey: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine mothers' knowledge about infant nutrition and traditional influence on feeding practices which may affect the nutritional status of infants and young children. METHODS: The qualitive research was carried out from May to June 2009 at a community health centre in Western Turkey, and comprised 20 mothers. Observation and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used for collecting data, which was later classified into four categories: procedures affecting mothers' breastfeeding decision; knowledge and beliefs regarding breastmilk; breastfeeding practices; and mothers' knowledge of and attitudes towards complementary nutritients/foods. The data was evaluated by theme analysis method. Even if a mother expressed an opinion other than the main theme, her views were taken into consideration. RESULTS: The participating mothers had a mean age of 27.15 +/- 7.10 years (range: 18-40 years). Of the 20 participants, 8 (40%) had primary eduaton; 10 (50%) were housewives; 13 (65%) had 1-2 children; and 6 (30%) had children 25 to 36 months old. Women generally had traditional beliefs related to breastfeeding practices and all of the infants were being breastfed. But the mother's anxiety about the sufficiency of breastmilk and social pressure led them to introduce complementary nutritients/foods early. CONCLUSION: Before preparing community-based programmes to improve infant nutrition, the opinions, beliefs and needs of the mothers should be taken into account.

Difficulties of mothers living with mentally disabled children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the difficulties of mothers living with children suffering from intellectual disabilities, and the influence of socio-demographic factors aggravating the situation. METHODS: The study was conducted from September to December 2009 in Odemis, Izmir in western Turkey, in one public-sector and two private-sector rehabilitation centres for disabled children. The research sample consisted of mothers with primary responsibility for 168 disabled children between the ages of 3 and 18 years. Data was collected using a pre-designed Personal Information Form, which had two sections. The first part contained 20 items about the socio-demographic data of the families and the children, their knowledge about mental disabilities and support for childcare. The second part consisted of 18 items which related to the most frequently encountered problems in terms of daily care, as well as the financial, psychological and social aspects. Data, collected through face-to-face interviews spanning 30-40 minutes, was analysed using analysis of variance and student's t test. RESULTS: Of the 168 mothers, 64 (38.1%) said they experienced sadness; 72 (42.9%) anger; and 32 (19.1%) felt lonely. As many as 92 (54.8%) mothers were blamed by their in-laws for the disability in their respective children. Only 50 (29.8%) parents in the study said they had "sometimes" felt acceptance of their disabled child. CONCLUSION: The psychological situation of parents with disabled children is an issue of particular concern, and psychological consultancy and guidance should be provided to such families to enable them to overcome their negative emotions and the consequent problems.

Lived experiences of nursing students with mothers/fathers with cancer: phenomenologic approach.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to describe subjectively the lived experiences of students with mothers/fathers with cancer using a phenomenologic qualitative research method to explore life experiences of students about cancer and educational effects of it. METHODS: The research was carried out between April and October 2008 at Odemis Health School with students training in 2007-2008 in classes 1, 2, 3 and 4. The sample was 4 students with parents having a cancer. RESULTS: Assessing the results, stressed fear of death, fear of loss, communication changeover in family, role changeover in family as experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects interpreted these in terms of future nursing education practice and expressed desires to provide more information to patients in their care. In this context, this research results contribute to professional nursing education.

Awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and screening behaviour among nurses in a rural region of Turkey.

The demographic characteristics of nurses and knowledge on risk factors of cervical cancer, as well as awareness of symptoms and attitudes in terms of screening programmers such as Pap smear, were assessed in a cross-sectional survey of nurses working in public Health Cabins and Family Health Centers in the rural area of Izmir, located in the western region of Turkey. Of the nurses who participated in the research, 69.1% (67) said that they had talked about cancer and cancer prevention with their families or friends; 60.8% (59) believed that their occupation was important for cancer prevention; 11.3% of the nurses had a history of cancer in their families; and 63.9% (62) thought that their knowledge about cervical cancer was adequate. There were no significant differences between knowledge or attitudes about cervical cancer risk factors or symptoms and screening methods regarding age, marital status, years of experience (p> 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant relationship between having received a Pap test and having a history of cancer in their family (p< 0.05). In conclusion, this study has shown that most nurses knew about the Pap smear test as a cervical cancer screening methods. However, there were no significant differences between knowledge or attitudes about cervical cancer risk factors or symptoms and screening methods regarding age, marital status, years of experience.