The Effect of Virtual Reality On Pain and Anxiety Management During Pelvic Examination: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: It is important for health care professionals to address women's pain and anxiety during pelvic examinations. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) on pain and anxiety management during pelvic examinations. METHODS: The study was a randomized controlled clinical trial reported in according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 Guidelines. The research was conducted with 128 women (64 intervention, 64 control) who received care at a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic between November 2021 and February 2022. The intervention group received VR application via virtual glasses during pelvic examination, while the control group received routine care. Anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the pelvic examination, and the Visual Analog Scale was used to assess pain after the pelvic examination. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05545488). RESULTS: The mean anxiety scores of the women in the intervention and control groups were similar pretest (59.00 and 57.77). The mean anxiety score decreased after the pelvic examination to 36.53 in the intervention group and 47.55 in the control group. Results indicated a significant main effect for group assignment (F9.56 ; η2 = .071; P = .002), a significant main effect for time (F384.14 ; η2 = .753; P < .001), and a significant interaction between group and time (F53.95 ; η2 = .300; P < .001). Pain scores after the pelvic examination were lower in the intervention group (4.25) than in the control group (6.41; P < .001). CONCLUSION: VR was effective in the management of pain and anxiety during pelvic examination. Future studies should compare the effectiveness of VR with other methods in reducing pain and anxiety during a pelvic examination.

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy in turkey: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The objective of the present research was to identify the prevalence of and risk factors for intimate partner violence during pregnancy (IPVP) in Turkey by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. DESIGN AND METHODS: In the current research, 22 primary studies published between January 2005 and January 2019 were investigated. FINDINGS: Low educational and income levels of both the woman and her partner, unintended marriage and pregnancy, living in a crowded family, a high number of children and a history of violence, unemployment of the partner, and the consumption of alcohol are the most significant risk factors of IPVP. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study shows that violence against women, which is a serious problem in Turkey as well as all over the world, also continues in a critical period, such as the pregnancy period.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Nine-Item Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ-9) in Nine European Samples of Internet Users.

Objectives: The nine-item Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ-9) is a brief self-report screening instrument for problematic internet use. The main objective of the present study was to explore the psychometric properties of the PIUQ-9 among nine different language-based samples of European internet users (Italian, German, French, Polish, Turkish, Hungarian, English, and Greek). Methods: The total sample comprised 5,593 internet users (38.1% men), aged between 18 and 87 years (M = 25.81; SD = 8.61). Via online recruitment, participants completed the PIUQ-9, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and items about time spent online. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the bifactor model with one general factor (i.e., general problem) and two-specific factors (i.e., obsession and neglect + control disorder) yielded acceptable or good fit indices in all subsamples except for one. The common variance index in the bifactor model indicated that the general problem factor explained from 57.0 to 76.5% of common variance, which supports the presence of a strong global factor. According to the multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model, psychiatric symptoms had a moderate-to-strong direct effect on the general problem factor in all subsamples, ranging from ß = 0.28 to ß = 0.52 supporting the construct validity of the scale. Furthermore, in a majority of the subsamples, time spent online during the weekend had considerably higher effect sizes on the general problem factor than time spent online during weekdays. Conclusion: The present study highlights the appropriate psychometric properties of the PIUQ-9 across a number of European languages and cultures.

Prenatal and Postnatal Attachment Among Turkish Mothers Diagnosed with a Mental Health Disorder.

The presence of a mental disorder in the mother is one of the key factors affecting attachment. The present study aimed to evaluate prenatal and postnatal attachment among mothers diagnosed with a mental health disorder by comparing them to a healthy group. The patient group included women who received follow-up care in a psychiatric clinic (74 pregnant and 75 postpartum), and the healthy group consisted of women who attended a follow-up polyclinic (118 pregnant and 82 postpartum). Data were collected using questionnaire forms, including the Prenatal Attachment Inventory and the Maternal Attachment Scale. Mothers diagnosed with a mental health disorder were determined to have lower attachment scores than the healthy group, both during the prenatal and postnatal periods. The literature suggests that mothers diagnosed with a mental health disorder showed low maternal attachment scores during pregnancy and/or the postnatal period. Psychiatric nurses should be involved in initiatives that may increase the prenatal and maternal attachment.

Postpartum Depression Prevalence and Risk Factors in Turkey: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common problem with adverse consequences for the mother and the infant. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for PPD in Turkey. In this study, 52 primary studies that were published between January 1999 and January 2015 were examined. The prevalence of PPD was determined through a meta-analysis, and the risk factors were determined through a systematic review. The prevalence of PPD in Turkey was found to be 23.8%. Developed cities had a prevalence of 21.2%, and developing cities had a prevalence of 25%. Just as throughout the world, PPD is a common problem in Turkey. It is more prevalent in developing cities. The following factors were the strongest predictors of postpartum depression: economic status and the employment status of the spouse, planned pregnancy and having a stressor/illness during pregnancy, health problems in the newborn, previous psychiatric illness, problems with family and spouse, reduced social support, and a history of psychiatric illness in the family.

Reciprocal Abuse: Elder Neglect and Abuse by Primary Caregivers and Caregiver Burden and Abuse in Turkey.

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the neglect and abuse that older people were exposed to by their primary caregivers and the experiences of caregivers' burden and abuse by their charges. This descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted with 186 individuals over the age of 65 and 136 caregivers. The data were collected using questionnaires to determine neglect and abuse experienced by both older people and caregivers, and the Zarit Burden Scale. Abuse rate of the older people and their caregivers is both high and similar. This study is to make psychiatric nursing professionals aware of the problem of elder abuse and neglect. For researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers in the fields of aging, health, and mental health this study provides important data about elder abuse and neglect.

Domestic Violence Against Women In Turkey: A Systematic Review And Meta Analysis.

AIM: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for domestic violence against women in Turkey. BACKGROUND: The data about domestic violence against women point out a serious problem all around the world along with including cultural differences. DESIGN: The prevalence of domestic violence against women was determined through a meta-analysis, and the risk factors were determined through a systematic review. A systematic search of eight electronic databases was conducted. In this study, 34 primary studies that were published between January 2000 and January 2015 were examined. RESULTS: The highest prevalence belonged to verbal violence followed by physical, emotional, economic, and sexual violence. Despite different questioning methods, it was determined that 22 risk factors were most commonly examined in the studies, and these risk factors were summed up under three separate categories: socio demographical characteristics, well-being related characteristics and marriage related characteristics. It is of further interest that the most commonly examined characteristics were socio demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION: Just as throughout the world, domestic violence is a common problem in Turkey. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses and midwives should focus not only on women's disorders but also on the difficulties the patient faces in regard to being a family. It presents valid evidence to produce policies on violence prevention.

Nurses' attitudes towards professional containment methods used in psychiatric wards and perceptions of aggression in Turkey.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine nurses' attitudes towards professional containment methods and to explore the relationship between those attitudes and nurses' perception of aggression. BACKGROUND: Different containment methods are used in psychiatric wards when patients behave aggressively towards others or exhibit self-harm. It is known that in addition to patient-specific and environmental influences, many factors related to the staff influence the choice of containment method. One of these factors is the perception of aggression. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used and the sample consisted of 144 nurses who are employed in a psychiatric hospital in Istanbul and who volunteered to participate in the study. METHOD: Data were collected using a questionnaire addressing the socio-demographic and professional features of nurses and using the attitudes to professional containment methods and Perception of Aggression Scale. RESULTS: While pro re nata medication was used commonly, time-out was infrequently used in the wards. Intermittent observation, pro re nata medication and containment in the psychiatric intensive care unit were the most approved methods. The use of net beds was the least approved method. Nurses who perceive aggression as dysfunctional/undesirable are more likely to approve compulsory intramuscular medication and mechanical restraint. CONCLUSION: These results showed that nurses' perception of aggression is an important factor influencing the choice of a professional containment method. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study might lead to closer critiquing of psychiatric ward nurses' attitudes towards professional containment methods, leading to a decrease in the usage of these methods.

Student nurses' attitudes towards professional containment methods used in psychiatric wards and perceptions of aggression.

The aim of this study was to determine student nurses' attitudes towards professional containment methods used in psychiatric wards and its relation to their perception of aggression. We employed a cross-sectional descriptive design to evaluate nurses' attitudes. Participants included 120 student nurses who were enrolled in psychiatric nursing during their fourth (final) year of education. The 'Attitude to Containment Measures Questionnaire' and 'The Perception of Aggression Scale' were used for assessments. Student nurses exhibited positive attitudes toward 'intermittent observation', 'Pro re nata Medication' and 'Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit', respectively. The least approved method was 'net bed'. The data showed a negative correlation between approval of 'Intra-Muscular Medication' and 'mechanical restraint' with the perception that aggression was dysfunctional/unacceptable. Student nurses who believed that professional containment methods were effective also perceived aggression as less functional/acceptable. These results emphasize the importance of health care perceptions of aggression towards patients and their experience with containment measures.

Prevalence of overweight/obesity and its associated factors among university students from 22 countries.

Obesity among young people increases lifetime cardiovascular risk. This study assesses the prevalence of overweight/obesity and its associated factors among a random sample of university students from 22 universities in 22 low, middle income and emerging economy countries. This cross-sectional survey comprised of a self-administered questionnaire and collected anthropometric measurements. The study population was 6773 (43.2%) males and 8913 (56.8%) females, aged 16 to 30 years (mean 20.8 years, SD = 2.6). Body mass index (BMI) was used for weight status. Among men, the prevalence of underweight was 10.8%, normal weight 64.4%, overweight 18.9% and obesity 5.8%, while among women, the prevalence of underweight was 17.6%, normal weight 62.1%, overweight 14.1% and obesity 5.2%. Overall, 22% were overweight or obese (24.7% men and 19.3% women). In multivariate regression among men, younger age, coming from a higher income country, consciously avoiding fat and cholesterol, physically inactivity, current tobacco use and childhood physical abuse, and among women older age, coming from a higher income country, frequent organized religious activity, avoiding fat and cholesterol, posttraumatic stress symptoms and physical childhood abuse were associated overweight or obesity. Several gender specific risk factors identified can be utilized in health promotion programmes.

Reproductive health in women with serious mental illnesses.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine what problems female psychiatric patients have in terms of reproductive health. BACKGROUND: The reproductive health problems faced by female psychiatric patients are matters that have been neglected in the areas of both psychiatry and women's health. This study aims to make a contribution from Turkey to the literature in this neglected field. DESIGN: The study is descriptive and was conducted with 292 female patients treated in an acute inpatient psychiatric ward. METHODS: Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and a questionnaire based on the literature and prepared by the researchers which was designed to determine the kinds of reproductive health issues the patients were experiencing. RESULTS: It was found that compared with healthy women, the distinctive features of the participants in terms of sexuality were more negative; in particular, patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder were more likely to have been forced by their partners to have sex, they had suffered from rape or sexually transmitted diseases, the majority of those who had previous sexual experience had tried to use contraceptives but had been unable to continue using them, they were most likely to choose the method of withdrawal for contraception, their rates of pregnancy and abortion were high, they received less antenatal care, and they were more likely to have smoked during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that female patients with psychiatric disorders had more negative attributes with regard to marriage, sexuality, family planning, maternal characteristics and pregnancy, compared with a corresponding healthy population. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results of this study may be useful for nurses in the clinical field for calling an attention and raising an awareness of the reproductive health problems of women with psychiatric disorders, taking the necessary preventive measures, and developing damage-reducing strategies.

The use of expressive methods for developing empathic skills.

Empathy is one of the fundamental concepts in nursing, and it is an ability that can be learned. Various education models have been tested for improving empathic skills. Research has focused on using oral presentations, videos, modeling, practiced negotiation based on experiences, and psychodrama methods, such as role playing, as ways to improve empathy in participants. This study looked at the use of expressive arts to improve empathic skills of nursing students. The study was conducted with 48 students who were separated into five different groups. All groups lasted for two hours, and met for 12 weeks. Expressive art and psychodrama methods were used in the group studies. The Scale of Empathic Skill was administered to participants before and after the group studies. Before the group study took place, the average score for empathic skill was 127.97 (SD = 21.26). After the group study, it increased to 138.87 (SD = 20.40). The average score for empathic skill increased after the group (t = 3.996, p = .000). Results show that expressive methods are easier, more effective, and enjoyable processes in nursing training.

Internet use and its relation with the psychosocial situation for a sample of university students.

This study was carried out to determine the general characteristics of Internet use among university students in Turkey and to examine the relation between the Internet use and the psychosocial conditions of the students. Among the 730 university students who participated, the average age was 20.84 (SD=1.95), and the majority were females. The average Internet use period of the students was detected as 2.80 (SD=1.33) years for females and 3.59 (SD=1.60) years for males. The average score of the Online Cognition Scale (OCS) used for determining problematic use was 84.64 (SD=33.50): for females, 77.99 (SD=30.70); for males, 92.16 (SD=34.96). Students of social sciences scored highest on the OCS. It was determined that as the OSC score increased, students' performance of Internet activities such as general information searches and academic research decreased and that performance of interactive and entertainment Internet activities such as chat, financial transactions, game playing, sex, downloading programs, and listening to MP3s increased. While a positive correlation was found between problematic use and loneliness and depression, a negative correlation was found between problematic use and perceived social support.