The Effect of Lullabies and Classical Music on Preterm Neonates' Cerebral Oxygenation, Vital Signs, and Comfort During Orogastric Tube Feeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of lullabies and classical music on preterm neonates' cerebral oxygenation, vital signs, and comfort during orogastric (OG) tube feeding. METHODS: This was a parallel-group pretest-posttest randomized controlled study. The research was conducted between December 2020 and May 2022. The sample consisted of 51 preterm neonates hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine Hospital in Konya, Türkiye. Participants were randomized into three groups (17 preterm infants in each group). The first group listened to lullabies sung by their mothers and the second group listened to classical music during OG tube feeding. The control group received routine care with no music. Data were collected using a Neonatal Identification Information Form, Physiological Parameters and rSO2 Monitoring Form, and the Newborn Comfort Behavior Scale (Comfort-Neo). The study was registered on the ClinicalTrials database (NCT05333575). RESULTS: The lullaby group had stable peak heart rates and oxygen saturation levels (p = .002). Both lullaby and classical music groups had significantly higher cerebral oxygenation levels than the control group. The classical music group had the highest cerebral oxygenation level (p = .001). Both lullaby and classical music groups had significantly higher mean Comfort-Neo scores than the control group. The classical music group had the highest mean Comfort-Neo score (p = .040). CONCLUSION: Preterm neonates who listen to lullabies and classical music are likely to have higher cerebral oxygen and comfort levels. Listening to lullabies helps stabilize vital signs. These results suggest that healthcare professionals should encourage parents to get their preterm neonates to listen to lullabies and classical music.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the paternal support scale of breastfeeding.

BACKGROUND: Social support positively affects the adaptation process of the woman to the maternal role during pregnancy and the postpartum period and increases her sensitivity to her baby. It is known that the support provided by fathers to their wives during this process positively affects their decision to breastfeed and continue. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to contribute to the literature by the Paternal Support Scale of Breastfeeding, testing its validity, reliability and psychometric properties. METHODS: The study, which included 203 fathers with babies 0-6 months of age who were actively breastfed between January and June 2022, was completed in a Medical Faculty Hospital at Konya in Turkey. The psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated with exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, number/percentage, t-test for dependent and independent groups and correlation analysis were used in the evaluation of the data. RESULTS: Total item correlation coefficient of this scale was found to vary between 0.63 and 0.81. According to the confirmatory factor analysis results the goodness-of-fit index values of the scale indicated that the model has an acceptable fitness, and the 21-item one-dimensional scale has confirmed validity. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that this scale is a good reliable measurement tool that can be used to evaluate levels of paternal support in breastfeeding. The scale can be adapted to different cultures, and cross-cultural comparisons can be planned in future studies. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Spouse and family support increases breastfeeding success. Due to their active role in the decisions made within the family, fathers positively influence mothers' breastfeeding decisions and increase mothers' motivation to continue breastfeeding. This measurement tool, developed to measure partner support in breastfeeding, helps nurses, to determine fathers' support levels in breastfeeding. In this way, nurses can contribute to increasing the duration of breastfeeding by making effective interventions for the solution of partner support problems related to breastfeeding.

The Effect of Breast Milk Odor on Feeding Cues, Transition Time to Oral Feeding, and Abdominal Perfusion in Premature Newborns: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of odor stimulation with breast milk (BM) applied to premature newborns before and during enteral feeding on feeding cues, transition time to oral feeding and abdominal perfusion. DESIGN: This study was a parallel group pretest-post test randomised controlled trial (RCT). METHODS: The study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Türkiye. Study data were collected from 32 premature newborns between October 2020 and December 2021. Newborns were randomly assigned to either intervention (n = 16) or control (n = 16) groups. Odor stimulation with BM was applied to newborns in the intervention group (IG) before and during enteral feeding for 3 days. Data were collected with the Newborn Information Form, Abdominal Perfusion Follow-up Form, and Feeding Cues Follow-up Form. Yates corrected and Fisher chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U test, Cohen Kappa statistics, Permanova analysis, and Wilcoxon test were used in the analysis. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04843293). RESULTS: The frequency of feeding cues in newborns who were exposed to the odor of BM, was higher than in the control group (CG) (p < .05). The transition times to oral feeding were similar in newborns in the IG and CG (p > .05). Abdominal perfusion level of newborns in the IG was higher than the CG (p < .05), and the level of abdominal perfusion showed a significant difference in terms of group*time interaction (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that odor stimulation with BM will be beneficial in improving the digestive functions of premature newborns.

The effect of kangaroo care on cortisol levels and immune factors in breast milk.

This paper investigated the effect of kangaroo mother care (KMC) in the early postpartum period on cortisol levels and immune factors in breast milk. This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the obstetrics clinic of a university hospital in western Türkiye. The sample consisted of 63 mothers and their infants. All mothers had a cesarean delivery. Participants were divided into control (n = 32) and experimental groups (n = 31). The control group received routine care at the clinic. The experimental group received KMC for the first 3 days after birth in addition to the routine care at the clinic. Milk samples were collected on the third day after delivery to examine cortisol, IgA, IgM, and IgG levels. All parameters were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The experimental group had lower cortisol levels (17.740 ± 1.438) than the control group (18.503 ± 1.449) (p < .05). This result showed that the difference between the two groups was clinically significant (effect size = .53). There was no significant difference in IgA, IgM, and IgG levels between the groups (p > .05). The experimental and control groups had similar immunological factors, but the former had lower cortisol levels than the latter. Therefore, healthcare professionals should encourage mothers to provide KMC to their infants as soon as possible.

The development of The Epileptic Seizure Parental Burden Scale: A validity and reliability study.

OBJECTIVE: It is common for parents to shoulder the burden of care for their children with chronic diseases. However, there are no robust scales to measure the burden of care of parents of children with epilepsy. This study aimed to develop the "Epileptic Seizure Parental Burden Scale (ESPBS)" and evaluate its psychometric properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a methodological study. The sample consisted of 333 voluntary parents of children with epilepsy. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v. 25) at a significance level of p < .05. Content validity, item-total correlation, explanatory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the "upper- and lower-27 percent rule," Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the split-half reliability method were used for psychometric analysis. RESULTS: The scale consisted of 15 items and two subscales. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) was 0. 961, for which Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (X2 = 5079.527, p < .001), indicating sampling adequacy and correlation between the items for factor analysis. The scale had item-total item correlations of 0.311 to 0.741. The Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealed a two-factor structure. According to the confirmatory factor analysis, x2/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, and RMSEA were 2.012, 0.93, 0.91, 0.97, and 0.055, respectively. These values were very close to a good fit. The items had factor loadings of 0.508 to 0.890. The total scale explained 60.432% of the total variance. The scale had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.93. The split-half reliability indicated a significant (p < .001) and high (r = 0.890) correlation. CONCLUSION: The Epileptic Seizure Parental Burden Scale (ESPBS) has high psychometric properties. It is a valid and reliable instrument that can measure the epileptic seizure burden of parents of children with epilepsy.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy scale - Short form for fathers.

BACKGROUND: Women supported by their partners are more likely to initiate and maintain breastfeeding and overcome related challenges. Therefore, reliable measurement tools are needed to determine whether fathers can provide this support. AIM: This study aimed to (1) examine the psychometric properties of the Paternal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) in Turkish fathers, including internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, construct validity using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA); and (2) assess the relationship between the BSES-SF and paternal demographic factors. METHODS: A methodologically study was conducted between December 26-2018 and June 26-2019 at the pediatrics clinics of two research hospitals of medical schools in Konya, Turkey. The sample consisted of 221 fathers of infants aged 2 to 6 weeks who visited the clinics for routine examinations. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Turkish version of the Paternal BSES-SF. After evaluating the language equivalence and content validity of the scale, test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity were examined. In evaluation of the data frequency/percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent groups t test, ANOVA Analysis, Bartlett's Test of Sphericity, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Pearson Product-Moment correlation and Cronbach α analysis were used. The study was approved by Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Selcuk University in Turkey. RESULTS: The translated Paternal BSES-SF had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.93 and a test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.96. The factor loadings ranged from 0.42 to 0.76. The Paternal BSES-SF had a one-factor structure similar to the original scale. Fathers who were unemployed, had lower economic status, and unplanned pregnancy had significantly lower mean Paternal BSES-SF scores. Paternal education regarding breastfeeding increased mean Paternal BSES-SF retest scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Paternal BSES-SF was a valid and reliable measure to assess fathers' confidence in their ability to assist mothers with breastfeeding in Turkey. Turkish researchers and health workers can use this instrument as a reference for promoting exclusive breastfeeding.

Effects of the facilitated tucking position in early period on physiological parameters, comfort and breastfeeding performance in late preterm infants: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study's aim to determine the effect of facilitated tucking position applied to late preterm infants on physiological parameters, comfort, and breastfeeding performance. DESIGN: The study was conducted in a randomized controlled experimental design (Clinical Trial number: NCT04704180). METHODS: The study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of a state hospital in eastern Turkey between November 2018 and July 2019. The sample consisted of 89 neonates meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Neonatal Introductory Information Form, Physiological Parameter Follow-Up Chart, Neonatal Comfort Behavior Scale (NCBS), and Latch Breastfeeding Diagnosis Measurement Form. Facilitated tucking position was applied to the neonates in the experimental group (n = 44) in the early postnatal period. The routine application of the unit was performed on neonates (n = 45) in the control group. Ethical principles were followed at every stage of the study. FINDINGS: It was determined that the physiological parameters (heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, respiratory rate) in the experimental group positioned with facilitated tucking showed a significant improvement compared to the control group (p<0.001). When the mean comfort (Experiment: 9.79±3.63, Control: 15.73±5.13) and LATCH (Experiment: 8.00±1.76, Control: 5.82±2.18) scores of neonates in the experimental group were compared with the control group, a significant difference was found in favor of the experimental group (p<0.001). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It was determined that the physiological parameters, comfort level and sucking success of late preterm infants who were positioned with facilitated tucking in the early postnatal period were positively affected.

The effect of anxiety on nicotine dependence among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of anxiety on nicotine dependence among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a descriptive and correlational study. The sample consisted of 503 university students in Turkey. Data were collected online using a demographic characteristics form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). FINDINGS: FTND scores differed by gender, family type, and grade level, while STAI scores differed by gender, income, and region of residence (p < 0.05). Fifty-one percent of the participants had moderate anxiety, while 65.2% had low nicotine dependence. FTND and STAI mean scores were strongly correlated (p < 0.05). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The higher the anxiety, the higher the nicotine dependence among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Effect of Breastfeeding, Kangaroo Care, and Facilitated Tucking Positioning in Reducing the Pain During Heel Stick in Neonates.

PURPOSE: Invasive intervention can negatively affect prognosis, behavior, environmental adaptation in neonates. Some nonpharmacological pain management methods are used for effective pain treatment. This study investigated the effect of breastfeeding, kangaroo care, and facilitated tucking positioning on heel-stick pain in neonates. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design was employed. The study was conducted in three family health centers in Kütahya/Turkey. The sample consisted of 140 healthy neonates with the gestational age of 37 weeks or more, birth weight greater than 2500 g, and no sucking problems. The sample was divided into four groups (breastfeeding, kangaroo care, facilitated tucking position, and control). Data were collected using a Baby-Mother Characteristics Questionnaire, a Physiological Parameter Follow-up Form, and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. Data were analyzed using chi-square, the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis, Student t-test, and Mann-Whitney U tests. The research adhered to ethical principles. RESULTS: The facilitated tucking position group cried less and experienced less pain during heel stick than the other groups (p < 0.05). Breastfeeding, kangaroo care, and facilitating tucking help reduce heel-stick pain but facilitating tucking causes less crying and imposes less pain on neonates than the other methods. CONCLUSION: Facilitated tucking position may be preferred to reduce pain during heel stick. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Using facilitated tucking positions and breastfeeding methods can assist healthcare professionals as supportive methods in pain management.

The Effect of Kangaroo Care on Breastfeeding and Development in Preterm Neonates.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of kangaroo care (KC) on breastfeeding rate and development in preterm neonates in the first six months of life. DESIGN: The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest control group design. The sample consisted of preterm neonates in the NICU of two state hospitals of Turkey. The experimental group (n =30) was provided with KC by their mothers for 30 min once a day during a postnatal month. The control group (n = 30) received routine care. Feeding patterns and physical development parameters were determined during the transition to exclusive breastfeeding and at discharge, and in the first, third, and sixth postnatal months. Data were collected using a descriptive characteristics questionnaire, a nutrition and physical development follow-up form, and a home KC follow-up form. Percentage distribution, mean, chi-square test, and t-test were used for analysis. RESULTS: The KC group had a significantly higher mean body weight than the control group in the third and sixth postnatal months (p < .05). The KC group had higher breast milk intake and breastfeeding rates than the control group during the transition to exclusive breastfeeding and at discharge, and in the first, third, and sixth postnatal months (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The KC neonates were breastfed for a more extended period of time than controls. This result suggests that KC improves breast milk intake and breastfeeding rates. Therefore, mothers should be trained in KC in the postnatal period. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals should encourage and follow mothers for kangaroo care.

The effect of Internet addiction on sleep quality in adolescents.

PROBLEM: This cross-sectional type study was conducted to investigate the effect of Internet addiction on sleep quality in adolescents. METHODS: The study was conducted between September and December 2017 in three high schools located in the city center of Erzincan determined according to three socioeconomic levels. The population of the study was composed of 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students in the high schools determined. In the study, sample group selection was not made and all students, for whom parental permission and student permissions were obtained, were included in the study. A total of 1487 students were included in the study. FINDINGS: The average age of adolescents who participated in the study was 16.16 ± 1.19, 60.6% were male, and 27.6% were 9th grader. Adolescents' Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form (YIAT-SF) total score average was 25.12 ± 9.14 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score average was 5.11 ± 3.02. Poor sleep quality was found in 61.6% of adolescents. A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between the YIAT total score and the PSQI total score of adolescents (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that adolescents have a moderate Internet addiction, poor sleep quality, and Internet addiction negatively affects sleep quality.

The Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care, Provided in the Early Postpartum Period, on the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Level of Mothers and the Perceived Insufficient Milk Supply.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of kangaroo mother care, provided in the early postpartum period, on the breastfeeding self-efficacy level and the perceived insufficient milk supply. This study was conducted as the quasi-experimental design. The population of the study consisted of the mothers and their infants, to whom they gave birth in a university hospitals located in either eastern or western Turkey, between December 2016 and June 2017. In this study, mothers and their infants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (kangaroo mother care, n = 30) and the control group (n = 30). This study included 2500 to 4000 g birth weight infants who had no serious health problems and no sucking problems. The Introductory Information Form, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Perception of Insufficient Milk Questionnaire were used to collect the data. In this study, kangaroo mother care was provided as a nursing intervention for the mothers in the experimental group twice a day until they were discharged. Any other application was not performed in the control group's mothers apart from the routine application. Ethical principles were adhered in all stages of the study. The breastfeeding self-efficacy mean score (65.50 ± 3.95) of the mothers who performed kangaroo mother care was higher than the mean score of the mothers who did not perform kangaroo mother care (55.50 ± 7.00) (P < .001). In addition, mothers in the experimental group (46.60 ± 3.40) perceived their milk more sufficiently than mothers in the control group (30.17 ± 11.37) (P < .001). In the study, a statistically significant correlation was determined between breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of mothers in the experimental group and the perceived insufficient milk supply (P < .05). In the study, kangaroo mother care increased breastfeeding self-efficacy perception of the mothers and reduced the perceived insufficient milk supply. This shows that kangaroo mother care can potentially have an important effect on breastfeeding perceptions.

Does the Post-Feeding Position Affect Gastric Residue in Preterm Infants?

BACKGROUND: Body position affects the gastric emptying rate and hence the amount of gastric residue. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the effect of the post-feeding position of preterm infants on gastric residue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a university hospital (Inönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center) in Eastern Turkey. The study included 40 preterm infants weighing less than 2,000 g, who were fed orogastrically. The preterm infants were sequentially placed in four positions and were fed before each change of position. The infants were sequentially placed in the right lateral, left lateral, supine, and prone positions; their gastric residues were measured with a nasogastric tube. The gastric residue was recorded in percentages at 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes. Ethical principles were applied in all phases of the study. RESULTS: The lowest mean gastric residue level was observed in the right lateral position at 30 minutes (58.16 ± 12.71%) and 60 minutes (33.97 ± 15.00%). The prone position showed the lowest mean gastric residue level (1.74 ± 1.08%), followed by the right lateral (3.06 ± 1.97%), supine (3.53 ± 2.18%), and left lateral position (5.14 ± 1.85%) at 120 minutes. The final measurements were taken at 180 minutes with the right lateral position showing the lowest mean gastric residue level (0.38 ± 0.34%). CONCLUSION: The premature infants had similar lower levels of gastric residue in the right lateral and prone positions and higher levels of gastric residue in left lateral and supine positions. The gastric emptying rate was found to be highest in the right lateral position at 30, 60, and 180 minutes and in the prone position at 120 minutes.

The relationship between insufficient milk perception and breastfeeding self-efficacy among Turkish mothers.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between perceived insufficient milk and breastfeeding self-efficacy levels among Turkish mothers. METHODS: The study was conducted on 200 mothers whose infants were hospitalized and under treatment and who could breastfeed their infants in the newborn clinic of a university hospital in eastern Turkey between June 2013 and February 2014. A sampling method was not applied in the study, so the sample consisted of the population of the study. The 'Personal Information Form', 'Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale' and 'Perception of Insufficient Milk Questionnaire' were used to collect the data. Data were analysed by using percentage distribution and arithmetic average; independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and Cronbach alpha reliability coefficiency in the SPSS 18.0 package program. RESULTS: The study determined that advanced age, higher education level and higher income status, male gender of the child, planning of the pregnancy, many births, receiving breastfeeding education and the length of time that mothers planned to exclusively breastfeed affected breastfeeding self-efficacy and perception of milk sufficiency positively ( p<0.05). The study showed that, as breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of mothers increased, their perception of milk sufficiency also increased ( p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The study concluded that some factors related to the mother, infant, pregnancy and breastfeeding affected breastfeeding self-efficacy and the perception of milk insufficiency. As the breastfeeding self-efficacy level increased, the milk was perceived to be more sufficient.

Effect of White Noise in Relieving Vaccination Pain in Premature Infants.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of white noise as a distraction method in relieving procedural pain caused by vaccination for premature infants. This experimental study was performed at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a university hospital in Turkey between July and September 2013. The study population was composed of 75 premature infants (35 in the study group and 40 in the control group) who met the inclusion criteria. Premature infants in the study group were exposed to white noise using MP3 players placed at the head of the infants' open crib for 1 minute before vaccination. The white noise continued until 1 minute after vaccination. Premature infants in the control group were not exposed to white noise. The Premature Infant Information Form, Intervention Follow-up Form, and Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) were used to collect study data. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and independent sample t-tests were used to evaluate the data. The pain level of the control group (PIPP = 14.35 ± 2.59) was significantly higher than the pain level of the study group (PIPP = 8.14 ± 3.14) (p < .05). The authors found that 67.6% of the infants in the study group had moderate pain during vaccination and only 2.9% had severe pain. Most of the infants in the control group (82.5%) had severe pain, whereas 17.5% had moderate pain (p < .05). White noise was found to be effective for this sample; however, there is a dire need for extensive research on white noise and its use with this vulnerable population.

The Effects of Distraction on Preoperative Anxiety Level in Children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of distraction on the preoperative anxiety levels of pediatric patients. DESIGN: A prospective, two-group experimental design was used. METHODS: This study was conducted in the clinic of pediatric surgery of a university hospital in Turkey between November 20, 2013 and January 25, 2014. The population of the study was composed of a total of 83 children (40 in the study group and 43 in the control group) who met the inclusion. The data were collected using the "Personal Information Form," "Separation Scoring," and "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-State Form." Distraction was performed on the children in the study group during the preoperative period. No intervention was applied to the children in the control group. FINDING: The results of this study demonstrated that the separation scores and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-State scores of the children in the study group, on whom distraction was applied, were lower than those of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Distraction applied to children in the preoperative period significantly reduced anxiety and separation anxiety.

Turkish Nurses' Use of Nonpharmacological Methods for Relieving Children's Postoperative Pain.

CONTEXT: The experience of pain is frequently observed among children undergoing surgery. Hospitalization and surgery are stressful experiences for those children. OBJECTIVE: The research was conducted to investigate and analyze Turkish nurses' use of nonpharmacological methods to relieve postoperative pain in children. DESIGN: The study was cross-sectional and descriptive. SETTING: The study took place at 2 hospitals in eastern Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 143 nurses whose patients had undergone surgical procedures at the 2 hospitals. OUTCOME MEASURES: The researchers used a questionnaire, a checklist of nonpharmacological methods, and a visual analogue scale (VAS) to collect the data. To assess the data, descriptive statistics and the χ² test were used. RESULTS: Of the 143 nurses, 73.4% initially had applied medication when the children had pain. Most of the nurses (58.7%) stated the children generally experienced a middle level of postoperative pain. The most frequent practices that the nurses applied after the children's surgery were (1) "providing verbal encouragement" (90.2%), a cognitive-behavioral method; (2) "a change in the child's position" (85.3%), a physical method; (3) "touch" (82.5%), a method of emotional support; and (4) "ventilation of the room" (79.7%), a regulation of the surroundings. Compared with participants with other educational levels, the cognitive-behavioral methods were the ones most commonly used by the more educated nurses (P < .05): (1) encouraging patients with rewards, (2) helping them think happy thoughts, (3) helping them use their imaginations, (4) providing music, and (5) reading books. Female nurses used the following methods more than the male nurses did (P < .05): (1) providing encouragement with rewards, (2) helping patients with deep breathing, (3) keeping a desired item beside them, (4) changing their positions, and (5) ventilating the room. CONCLUSION: Undergoing surgery is generally a painful experience for children. Nurses most commonly use cognitive-behavioral methods in the postoperative care of their pediatric patients after surgery.

The effect of the facilitated tucking position in reducing vaccination-induced pain in newborns.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the pain perceptions of newborns during the hepatitis B (HBV) vaccinations performed in the facilitated tucking position and the classical holding position, respectively. METHODS: The randomized controlled experimental study was conducted between 1 September 2014 and 30 December 2014 at the neonatal intensive care unit of a Turkish university hospital. One group of infants was held in the facilitated tucking position (the treatment group; n = 30) during HBV vaccination; infants in the other group were held in the classical holding position (the control group; n = 30) during HBV vaccination. The Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) scores of the infants in the treatment and control groups were compared during procedure. Also, the infants' physiological parameters were compared before, during, and after the procedure. Descriptive statistics, a chi-square test, and an independent samples t-test were used to assess the data. RESULTS: The mean pain scores of infants vaccinated in the facilitated tucking position (2.83 ± 1.18) were significantly statistically lower than the scores of infants vaccinated in the classical holding position (6.47 ± 1.07) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The pain perceptions of newborns held in the facilitated tucking position during HBV vaccination were lower. The facilitated tucking position, a non-pharmacological method, is recommended as an effective and useful method for reducing pain during the procedure.

The Effects of Instrumental Touching on Infant Pain Perception and the Effects of Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics (EMLA) on the Reduction of Pain.

BACKGROUND: Premature infants, who have to spend the first week of their lives in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), experience pain and stress in numerous cases, and they are exposed to many invasive interventions. The studies have shown that uncontrolled pain experienced during early life has negative and long-term side effects, such as distress, and such experiences negatively affect the development of the central nervous system. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of touching on infant pain perception and the effects of eutectic mixture of local anesthetic (EMLA) on the reduction of pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data for the study were collected between March and August 2012 from the neonatal clinic of a university hospital located in eastern Turkey. The population of the study consisted of premature infants who were undergoing treatment, completed the first month and who were approved for Hepatitis B vaccine. The study consisted of two experimental groups and one control group. Information forms, intervention follow-up forms, and Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) were used to collect the data. EMLA cream was applied on the vastus lateralis muscles of the first experimental group before the vaccination. The second experimental group was vaccinated by imitation (placebo), without a needle tip or medicine. Vaccination was carried out using instrumental touch in this group. A routine vaccination was applied in the control group. RESULTS: Mean pain scores of the group to which EMLA was applied were lower in a statistically significant way (P < 0.05) compared to the pain scores of the other groups. Moreover, it was determined that even though invasive intervention was not applied to the newborns, the touching caused them to feel pain just as in the placebo group (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that EMLA was an effective method for reducing pain in premature newborns, and the use of instrumental touch for invasive intervention stimulated the pain perception in the newborns.

Posttraumatic stress symptoms seen in children within the 3-month period after the Van earthquake in Turkey.

The research was conducted to determine the posttraumatic stress symptoms seen in children within the 3 month period after the Van earthquake in Turkey. The research was conducted between December 2011 and January 2012 with the earthquake survivor children in the 7-12 age group living in the tent city built in the central area of Van. The research data were collected by the researcher using the Childhood Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction Index (CPTS-RI) and a questionnaire prepared by the researchers that contained questions on some information about the earthquake and on sociodemographic characteristics.It was found out that 8.6% (26) of the children had mild symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 19.7% (60) of the children had moderate symptoms of PTSD, 47.7% (145) of the children had severe symptoms of PTSD and 24.0% (73) of the children had very severe symptoms of PTSD. Furthermore, a significant difference (P < 0.001) was found between mean CPTS-RI scores and the economic losses experienced in the families of the children. In the study, PTSD was identified in the majority of children in the 7-12 age group who experienced the Van earthquake.